US Bridges

SH 7 over Big Creek

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 5.40 MI E of SH 6 · Structure no. 090740038202013

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
2,022 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,363
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Big Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 7 over Big Creek in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1981, 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 1,363 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,210 by 2033. The structure is 2,022 ft (616.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesBig Creek
Location5.40 MI E of SH 6
RouteState Highway 7
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.31422, -96.78576
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans1 (+49 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length2,022 ft (616.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,363 (2023)
Projected traffic4,210 by 2033
Trucks26%
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$11.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 7 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is SH 7 over Big 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 Creek carry?

About 1,363 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Big Creek?

The structure is 2,022 ft (616.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.