US Bridges

SH 14 over Polecat Creek

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 1.1 MI S of Limestone C/L · Structure no. 090740009307049

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,950
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 14 over Polecat Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 14 over Polecat Creek in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 1,950 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,420 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 14
CrossesPolecat Creek
Location1.1 MI S of Limestone C/L
RouteState Highway 14
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.26532, -96.64164
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,950 (2020)
Projected traffic3,420 by 2033
Trucks20%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$800,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 14 over Polecat Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 14 over Polecat 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 SH 14 over Polecat Creek carry?

About 1,950 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SH 14 over Polecat Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 14 over Polecat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.