US Bridges

Forreston Road over Onion Creek

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Texas · 1.95 MI NE of US 77 · Structure no. 180710AA0329001

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
85 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Forreston Road over Onion Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Forreston Road over Onion Creek in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 165 by 2031. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesForreston Road
CrossesOnion Creek
Location1.95 MI NE of US 77
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.27315, -96.84423
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2014)
Projected traffic165 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Forreston Road over Onion Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Forreston Road over Onion 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Forreston Road over Onion Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Forreston Road over Onion Creek?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Forreston Road over Onion Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.