US Bridges

IH 45 SB over Small Creek

Fair

Freestone County, Texas · 0.75 MI SE of FM 833 · Structure no. 170820067501183

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,305
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 SB over Small Creek is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 SB over Small Creek in Freestone County, Texas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 18,305 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,825 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 SB
CrossesSmall Creek
Location0.75 MI SE of FM 833
RouteInterstate 45
CountyFreestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.79828, -96.25633
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,305 (2023)
Projected traffic27,825 by 2042
Trucks43%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 IH 45 SB over Small Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 SB over Small 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 IH 45 SB over Small Creek carry?

About 18,305 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 SB over Small Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns IH 45 SB over Small Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.