US Bridges

US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 2.75 MI N of SH 7 · Structure no. 090740020902058

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,417
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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.

It carries about 6,417 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,200 by 2033. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 77
CrossesBranch of Cow Bayou
Location2.75 MI N of SH 7
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.33123, -97.08563
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,417 (2023)
Projected traffic8,200 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou 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 US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou carry?

About 6,417 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.