US Bridges

IH 45 SB over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Freestone County, Texas · 5.5 MI S of FM 833 · Structure no. 170820067501191

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,306
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 SB over Cottonwood Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 SB over Cottonwood 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 18,306 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,825 by 2042. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 SB
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location5.5 MI S of FM 833
RouteInterstate 45
CountyFreestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.74951, -96.19914
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,306 (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 Cottonwood Creek built?

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

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

About 18,306 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 SB over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 SB over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.