US Bridges

Bluff Springs Road over Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Ellis County, Texas · 1.2 MI W of FM 983 · Structure no. 180710AA0597001

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
112
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bluff Springs Road over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bluff Springs Road over Bear Creek in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 112 vehicles a day, projected to reach 157 by 2041. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 11 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBluff Springs Road
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.2 MI W of FM 983
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.52108, -96.71252
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width11 ft (3.5 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic112 (2019)
Projected traffic157 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 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 Bluff Springs Road over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bluff Springs Road over Bear 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 2022.

How much traffic does Bluff Springs Road over Bear Creek carry?

About 112 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Bluff Springs Road over Bear Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 11 ft wide.

Who owns Bluff Springs Road over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.