US Bridges

IH 20 EB over Bear Creek

Fair

Eastland County, Texas · 1.35 MI W of Erath C/L · Structure no. 230680031405031

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,589
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 EB over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 EB over Bear Creek in Eastland County, Texas. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 66 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 13,589 vehicles a day, roughly 46% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,283 by 2038. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 20 EB
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.35 MI W of Erath C/L
RouteInterstate 20
CountyEastland County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.50011, -98.49884
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,589 (2019)
Projected traffic17,283 by 2038
Trucks46%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate 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 IH 20 EB over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is IH 20 EB over Bear 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 EB over Bear Creek carry?

About 13,589 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 46% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 EB over Bear Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 EB over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.