US Bridges

Higgins Road over Chambers Creek Tributary

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 1.4 MI SW of Bethel RD · Structure no. 180710AA0239002

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
68 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
21
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Higgins Road over Chambers Creek Tributary is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Higgins Road over Chambers Creek Tributary in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 75 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 21 vehicles a day, projected to reach 124 by 2035. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHiggins Road
CrossesChambers Creek Tributary
Location1.4 MI SW of Bethel RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.28053, -96.9296
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionFebruary 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21 (2015)
Projected traffic124 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Higgins Road over Chambers Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is Higgins Road over Chambers Creek Tributary 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 Higgins Road over Chambers Creek Tributary carry?

About 21 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Higgins Road over Chambers Creek Tributary?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Higgins Road over Chambers Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.