US Bridges

IH 45 Wfr over Cottonwood Creek

Good

Freestone County, Texas · 5.5 MI S of FM 833 · Structure no. 170820067501192

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
557
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 Wfr over Cottonwood Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 Wfr 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 557 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 780 by 2042. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 45 Wfr
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location5.5 MI S of FM 833
CountyFreestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.74914, -96.19944
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic557 (2023)
Projected traffic780 by 2042
Trucks12%
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$8,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 Wfr over Cottonwood Creek built?

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

What condition is IH 45 Wfr over Cottonwood Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does IH 45 Wfr over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 557 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 Wfr over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 Wfr over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.