US Bridges

SH 7 over Little Brazos River

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 1.60 MI E of FM 1771 · Structure no. 090740038202016

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
175 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
2,907
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Little Brazos River is a concrete slab carrying SH 7 over Little Brazos River 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 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 2,907 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,680 by 2033. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesLittle Brazos River
Location1.60 MI E of FM 1771
RouteState Highway 7
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.31006, -96.69418
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 20
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,907 (2019)
Projected traffic4,680 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Little Brazos River built?

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

What condition is SH 7 over Little 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 Little Brazos River carry?

About 2,907 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Little Brazos River?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Little Brazos River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.