US Bridges

SH 273 over Skillet Creek

Fair

Donley County, Texas · 2.17 MI S of Gray C/L · Structure no. 250650056004015

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
129
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 273 over Skillet Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 273 over Skillet Creek in Donley County, Texas. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 129 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 290 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 273
CrossesSkillet Creek
Location2.17 MI S of Gray C/L
RouteState Highway 273
CountyDonley County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.1541, -100.61119
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic129 (2020)
Projected traffic290 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 273 over Skillet Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 273 over Skillet 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 273 over Skillet Creek carry?

About 129 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is SH 273 over Skillet Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 273 over Skillet Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.