US Bridges

SH 7 over Bean Creek

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 0.5 MI W of SH 6 Bus · Structure no. 090740038201007

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,091
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Bean Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 7 over Bean Creek in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 5,091 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,740 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesBean Creek
Location0.5 MI W of SH 6 Bus
RouteState Highway 7
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.30554, -96.90797
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,091 (2023)
Projected traffic6,740 by 2033
Trucks20%
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 SH 7 over Bean Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 7 over Bean 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 2024.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Bean Creek carry?

About 5,091 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Bean Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Bean Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.