US Bridges

Smith Road over Cottonwood Creek

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Texas · 0.45 MI S of Ozro RD · Structure no. 180710AA0193001

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
127
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Smith Road over Cottonwood Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Smith Road over Cottonwood Creek in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 127 vehicles a day, projected to reach 125 by 2035. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesSmith Road
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location0.45 MI S of Ozro RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.33098, -97.05687
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic127 (2019)
Projected traffic125 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Smith Road over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Smith Road over Cottonwood 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Smith Road over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 127 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Smith Road over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Smith Road over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.