US Bridges

SH 56 over Sloans Creek

Poor

Fannin County, Texas · 3.4 MI E of SH 78 · Structure no. 010750004506036

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
171 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,676
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 56 over Sloans Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 56 over Sloans Creek in Fannin County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 94 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,676 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,370 by 2033. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 56
CrossesSloans Creek
Location3.4 MI E of SH 78
RouteState Highway 56
CountyFannin County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.57708, -96.11939
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,676 (2023)
Projected traffic3,370 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 56 over Sloans Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is SH 56 over Sloans Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 56 over Sloans Creek carry?

About 2,676 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 56 over Sloans Creek?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 56 over Sloans Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.