US Bridges

US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 1.55 MI N of SH 7 · Structure no. 090740020902060

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
360 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
6,458
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1989, 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 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 6,458 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,630 by 2033. The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 77
CrossesBranch of Cow Bayou
Location1.55 MI N of SH 7
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.31421, -97.08446
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 2024
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 rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadOther
Structure length360 ft (109.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,458 (2023)
Projected traffic7,630 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million
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. It was reconstructed in 1989.

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 6,458 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou?

The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 77 over Branch of Cow Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.