US Bridges

SH 85 over East Tortugas Creek

Fair

Dimmit County, Texas · 0.80 MI E of FM 65 · Structure no. 220640030101008

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,509
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 85 over East Tortugas Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 85 over East Tortugas Creek in Dimmit County, Texas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1953, so it is 100 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 4,509 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,730 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 85
CrossesEast Tortugas Creek
Location0.80 MI E of FM 65
RouteState Highway 85
CountyDimmit County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.57414, -99.65606
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,509 (2020)
Projected traffic13,730 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SH 85 over East Tortugas Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is SH 85 over East Tortugas Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in December 2022.

How much traffic does SH 85 over East Tortugas Creek carry?

About 4,509 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is SH 85 over East Tortugas Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns SH 85 over East Tortugas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.