US Bridges

IH 20 N FR over S Fork Palo Pinto Creek

Fair

Eastland County, Texas · 0.05 MI W of Erath C/L · Structure no. 230680031405018

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
280 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 N FR over S Fork Palo Pinto Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 N FR over S Fork Palo Pinto Creek in Eastland County, Texas. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 30 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 42 by 2038. The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 20 N FR
CrossesS Fork Palo Pinto Creek
Location0.05 MI W of Erath C/L
RouteState Highway 20
CountyEastland County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.50348, -98.47739
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+8 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length280 ft (85.3 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2018)
Projected traffic42 by 2038
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$16,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 20 N FR over S Fork Palo Pinto Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 20 N FR over S Fork Palo Pinto 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does IH 20 N FR over S Fork Palo Pinto Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 N FR over S Fork Palo Pinto Creek?

The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 N FR over S Fork Palo Pinto Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.