US Bridges

SH 34 over Deadmans Slough

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 9.4 MI NE of IH 45 · Structure no. 180710017301006

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,959
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 34 over Deadmans Slough is a concrete culvert carrying SH 34 over Deadmans Slough in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 91 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 3,959 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,730 by 2040. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 34
CrossesDeadmans Slough
Location9.4 MI NE of IH 45
RouteState Highway 34
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.40841, -96.47896
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width69 ft (21 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,959 (2022)
Projected traffic4,730 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 SH 34 over Deadmans Slough built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is SH 34 over Deadmans Slough 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 SH 34 over Deadmans Slough carry?

About 3,959 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 34 over Deadmans Slough?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns SH 34 over Deadmans Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.