US Bridges

US 77 over Mill Branch

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 5.8 MI N of SH 34 · Structure no. 180710004804015

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1945
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,802
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77 over Mill Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying US 77 over Mill Branch in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1945, so it is 98 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 1,802 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,261 by 2042. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 77
CrossesMill Branch
Location5.8 MI N of SH 34
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.26269, -96.86442
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,802 (2023)
Projected traffic2,261 by 2042
Trucks11%
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 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 77 over Mill Branch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1945.

What condition is US 77 over Mill Branch 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 77 over Mill Branch carry?

About 1,802 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 77 over Mill Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 77 over Mill Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.