US Bridges

SH 7 over Gaines Branch

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 0.60 MI NE of US 77 · Structure no. 090740038201022

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,589
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Gaines Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 7 over Gaines Branch in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,589 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,660 by 2033. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesGaines Branch
Location0.60 MI NE of US 77
RouteState Highway 7
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.27968, -97.06643
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.
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 evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,589 (2023)
Projected traffic2,660 by 2033
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Gaines Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 7 over Gaines Branch 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 Gaines Branch carry?

About 1,589 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Gaines Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Gaines Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.