US Bridges

Bardwell Dam RD over Waxahachie Creek

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 1.55 MI E of FM 985 · Structure no. 180710AA0368001

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
93 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
41
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bardwell Dam RD over Waxahachie Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bardwell Dam RD over Waxahachie Creek in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 6 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 41 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 165 by 2042. The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBardwell Dam RD
CrossesWaxahachie Creek
Location1.55 MI E of FM 985
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.24369, -96.63998
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length93 ft (28.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41 (2019)
Projected traffic165 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bardwell Dam RD over Waxahachie Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bardwell Dam RD over Waxahachie 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Bardwell Dam RD over Waxahachie Creek carry?

About 41 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Bardwell Dam RD over Waxahachie Creek?

The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Bardwell Dam RD over Waxahachie Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.