US Bridges

SH 56 over Big Bullard Creek

Fair

Fannin County, Texas · 1.3 MI E of FM 897 · Structure no. 010750004506038

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
126 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,283
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 56 over Big Bullard Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 56 over Big Bullard Creek in Fannin County, Texas. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 101 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 1,283 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,053 by 2042. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 56
CrossesBig Bullard Creek
Location1.3 MI E of FM 897
RouteState Highway 56
CountyFannin County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.57323, -96.03957
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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,283 (2023)
Projected traffic2,053 by 2042
Trucks9%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 56 over Big Bullard Creek built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is SH 56 over Big Bullard 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 2024.

How much traffic does SH 56 over Big Bullard Creek carry?

About 1,283 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SH 56 over Big Bullard Creek?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SH 56 over Big Bullard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.