US Bridges

SH 70 over North Fork of Red River

Fair

Gray County, Texas · 16.2 MI N of IH 40 · Structure no. 040910030901003

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
175 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
361
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over North Fork of Red River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 70 over North Fork of Red River in Gray County, Texas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 84 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 361 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,420 by 2033. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesNorth Fork of Red River
Location16.2 MI N of IH 40
RouteState Highway 70
CountyGray County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.42087, -100.97478
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic361 (2023)
Projected traffic2,420 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 70 over North Fork of Red River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is SH 70 over North Fork of Red River 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 70 over North Fork of Red River carry?

About 361 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over North Fork of Red River?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over North Fork of Red River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.