US Bridges

IH 45 Sbml over Cottonwood Creek

Good

Ellis County, Texas · 2.0 MI S of FM 813 · Structure no. 180710009204270

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
130 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
26,603
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 Sbml over Cottonwood Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 Sbml over Cottonwood Creek in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 26,603 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,720 by 2033. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 45 Sbml
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location2.0 MI S of FM 813
RouteInterstate 45
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.40871, -96.6584
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width49 ft (15 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,603 (2023)
Projected traffic29,720 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure3
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 Sbml over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 Sbml over Cottonwood Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does IH 45 Sbml over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 26,603 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 Sbml over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 Sbml over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.