US Bridges

IH 45 Wfr over Bear Creek

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 5.2 MI N of FM 813 · Structure no. 180710009203082

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
743
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 Wfr over Bear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 Wfr over Bear Creek in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 743 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 820 by 2033. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 38 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 Wfr
CrossesBear Creek
Location5.2 MI N of FM 813
RouteInterstate 45
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.50622, -96.66438
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic743 (2023)
Projected traffic820 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 IH 45 Wfr over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 Wfr 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does IH 45 Wfr over Bear Creek carry?

About 743 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 Wfr over Bear Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 Wfr over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.