US Bridges

SH 53 over Cottonwood Creek

Good

Falls County, Texas · 1.00 MI SW of US 77 · Structure no. 090740023202034

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
199 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,203
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 53 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 53 over Cottonwood Creek in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,203 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,580 by 2033. The structure is 199 ft (60.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 53
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location1.00 MI SW of US 77
RouteState Highway 53
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.07871, -96.99631
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length199 ft (60.7 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,203 (2020)
Projected traffic1,580 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 53 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 53 over Cottonwood Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does SH 53 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 1,203 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 53 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 199 ft (60.7 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 53 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.