US Bridges

SH 7 over Big Sandy Creek

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 1.70 MI E of SH 6 · Structure no. 090740038202009

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
161 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,785
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Big Sandy Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 7 over Big Sandy Creek in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 75 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 2,785 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,570 by 2033. The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesBig Sandy Creek
Location1.70 MI E of SH 6
RouteState Highway 7
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.31137, -96.84605
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length161 ft (49.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,785 (2023)
Projected traffic4,570 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 7 over Big Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is SH 7 over Big Sandy 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Big Sandy Creek carry?

About 2,785 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Big Sandy Creek?

The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Big Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.