US Bridges

SH 78 over Powder Creek

Fair

Fannin County, Texas · 0.3 MI S of SH 56 · Structure no. 010750027903016

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
100 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,680
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 78 over Powder Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 78 over Powder Creek in Fannin County, Texas. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 2,680 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,370 by 2040. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 78
CrossesPowder Creek
Location0.3 MI S of SH 56
RouteState Highway 78
CountyFannin County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.57231, -96.17816
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,680 (2020)
Projected traffic4,370 by 2040
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 78 over Powder Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 78 over Powder 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 78 over Powder Creek carry?

About 2,680 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SH 78 over Powder Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns SH 78 over Powder Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.