US Bridges

SH 7 over Brazos River

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 4.30 MI W of Bus SH 6 · Structure no. 090740038201028

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
678 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,629
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Brazos River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 7 over Brazos River in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 4,629 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,740 by 2033. The structure is 678 ft (206.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesBrazos River
Location4.30 MI W of Bus SH 6
RouteState Highway 7
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.288, -96.96859
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length678 ft (206.7 m)
Longest span175 ft (53.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,629 (2020)
Projected traffic6,740 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 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$4.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 7 over Brazos River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 7 over Brazos River 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 2022.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Brazos River carry?

About 4,629 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Brazos River?

The structure is 678 ft (206.7 m) long with a longest span of 175 ft (53.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Brazos River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.