US Bridges

SH 31 over Helton Creek

Good

Gregg County, Texas · 3.50 MI W of SH 135 · Structure no. 100930042402020

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,026
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 31 over Helton Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 31 over Helton Creek in Gregg County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 6,026 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,650 by 2033. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesSH 31
CrossesHelton Creek
Location3.50 MI W of SH 135
RouteState Highway 31
StateTexas
Coordinates32.38136, -94.9493
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,026 (2020)
Projected traffic10,650 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 31 over Helton Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 31 over Helton 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 31 over Helton Creek carry?

About 6,026 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 31 over Helton Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 31 over Helton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.