US Bridges

SH 78 over Little Branch

Fair

Fannin County, Texas · 0.3 MI SW of SH 11 · Structure no. 010750027904013

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,462
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 78 over Little Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 78 over Little Branch in Fannin County, Texas. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 1,462 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 78
CrossesLittle Branch
Location0.3 MI SW of SH 11
RouteState Highway 78
CountyFannin County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.4286, -96.16806
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,462 (2020)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2040
Trucks17%
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$162,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 78 over Little Branch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 78 over Little Branch 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 Little Branch carry?

About 1,462 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 78 over Little Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns SH 78 over Little Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.