US Bridges

SH 78 over Wolf Creek

Fair

Fannin County, Texas · 2.4 MI N of SH 121 · Structure no. 010750027902001

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
80 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,969
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 78 over Wolf Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 78 over Wolf Creek in Fannin County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 91 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 4,969 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,440 by 2033. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 78
CrossesWolf Creek
Location2.4 MI N of SH 121
RouteState Highway 78
CountyFannin County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.66337, -96.1812
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,969 (2020)
Projected traffic6,440 by 2033
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$369,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 78 over Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is SH 78 over Wolf 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH 78 over Wolf Creek carry?

About 4,969 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is SH 78 over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 78 over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.