US Bridges

US 277 over Dry Devils River

Fair

Edwards County, Texas · 11.95 MI S of Sutton C/L · Structure no. 070700016003021

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
280 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
992
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 277 over Dry Devils River is a concrete tee beam carrying US 277 over Dry Devils River in Edwards County, Texas. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 83 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 992 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,518 by 2038. The structure is 280 ft (85.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 277
CrossesDry Devils River
Location11.95 MI S of Sutton C/L
RouteU.S. Route 277
CountyEdwards County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.12253, -100.69492
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length280 ft (85.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic992 (2020)
Projected traffic1,518 by 2038
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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 US 277 over Dry Devils River built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is US 277 over Dry Devils River 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 277 over Dry Devils River carry?

About 992 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 277 over Dry Devils River?

The structure is 280 ft (85.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US 277 over Dry Devils River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.