US Bridges

SH 7 over Sulphur Creek

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 1.95 MI E of FM 1771 · Structure no. 090740038202017

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

About this bridge

SH 7 over Sulphur Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 7 over Sulphur 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 2,907 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,680 by 2033. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 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
CrossesSulphur Creek
Location1.95 MI E of FM 1771
RouteState Highway 7
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.31006, -96.68854
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.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length100 ft (30.5 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$600,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 7 over Sulphur 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 Sulphur 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Sulphur Creek carry?

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

How long is SH 7 over Sulphur Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Sulphur Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.