US Bridges

US 77 over Richland Creek

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 1.3 MI SW of FM 308 S · Structure no. 180710004805022

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1945
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
140 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,439
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77 over Richland Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 77 over Richland Creek in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1945, so it is 96 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 5 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 1,439 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,510 by 2033. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 77
CrossesRichland Creek
Location1.3 MI SW of FM 308 S
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.10975, -96.96473
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,439 (2023)
Projected traffic1,510 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$223,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 77 over Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1945.

What condition is US 77 over Richland 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 77 over Richland Creek carry?

About 1,439 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 77 over Richland Creek?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 77 over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.