US Bridges

SH 20 over Franklin Canal

Fair

El Paso County, Texas · 3.0 MI E of FM 76 · Structure no. 240720000201003

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
53 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,794
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 20 over Franklin Canal is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 20 over Franklin Canal in El Paso County, Texas. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 92 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 14,794 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,780 by 2033. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 20
CrossesFranklin Canal
Location3.0 MI E of FM 76
RouteState Highway 20
CountyEl Paso County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.72706, -106.3592
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,794 (2020)
Projected traffic16,780 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 SH 20 over Franklin Canal built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is SH 20 over Franklin Canal 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SH 20 over Franklin Canal carry?

About 14,794 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SH 20 over Franklin Canal?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns SH 20 over Franklin Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.