US Bridges

US 277 over Pena Creek

Good

Dimmit County, Texas · 3.2 MI NW of FM 2644 · Structure no. 220640030003016

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Good
inspected December 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
106 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,229
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 277 over Pena Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 277 over Pena Creek in Dimmit County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 99 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,229 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,640 by 2033. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesUS 277
CrossesPena Creek
Location3.2 MI NW of FM 2644
RouteU.S. Route 277
StateTexas
Coordinates28.57171, -99.9073
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,229 (2020)
Projected traffic6,640 by 2033
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 277 over Pena Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is US 277 over Pena Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2022.

How much traffic does US 277 over Pena Creek carry?

About 3,229 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is US 277 over Pena Creek?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 277 over Pena Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.