US Bridges

CR 309 over Bales Branch

Good

Grimes County, Texas · 0.14 MI S of FM 2445 · Structure no. 170940AA0199002

Built
2017
8 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 309 over Bales Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 309 over Bales Branch in Grimes County, Texas. It was built in 2017, so it is 8 years old, younger 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2037. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 309
CrossesBales Branch
Location0.14 MI S of FM 2445
RouteCounty Highway 309
CountyGrimes County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.40731, -95.91485
Functional classRural Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2017)
Projected traffic100 by 2037
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 309 over Bales Branch built?

It was built in 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 309 over Bales Branch 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does CR 309 over Bales Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is CR 309 over Bales Branch?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns CR 309 over Bales Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.