US Bridges

SH 78 over Bear Crk

Fair

Fannin County, Texas · 0.9 MI W of FM 981 · Structure no. 010750028001027

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,512
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 78 over Bear Crk is a concrete culvert carrying SH 78 over Bear Crk in Fannin County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 2,512 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,510 by 2033. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 78
CrossesBear Crk
Location0.9 MI W of FM 981
RouteState Highway 78
CountyFannin County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.3747, -96.31178
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,512 (2020)
Projected traffic2,510 by 2033
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Bear Crk built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 78 over Bear Crk 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 Bear Crk carry?

About 2,512 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is SH 78 over Bear Crk?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns SH 78 over Bear Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.