US Bridges

SH 85 over Soldier Lake Slough

Fair

Dimmit County, Texas · 4.60 MI NE of US 83 · Structure no. 220640030101020

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
810 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,425
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 85 over Soldier Lake Slough is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 85 over Soldier Lake Slough in Dimmit County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 86 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 2,425 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,950 by 2033. The structure is 810 ft (246.9 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 85
CrossesSoldier Lake Slough
Location4.60 MI NE of US 83
RouteState Highway 85
CountyDimmit County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.54925, -99.78939
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+15 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length810 ft (246.9 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,425 (2024)
Projected traffic7,950 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Soldier Lake Slough built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is SH 85 over Soldier Lake Slough 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 Soldier Lake Slough carry?

About 2,425 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is SH 85 over Soldier Lake Slough?

The structure is 810 ft (246.9 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 85 over Soldier Lake Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.