US Bridges

CR 179 over Sulphur Creek Branch

PoorPosted for load

Grimes County, Texas · 1.0 MI SE of SH 90 · Structure no. 170940AA0352002

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 179 over Sulphur Creek Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 179 over Sulphur Creek Branch in Grimes County, Texas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2028. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 179
CrossesSulphur Creek Branch
Location1.0 MI SE of SH 90
RouteCounty Highway 179
CountyGrimes County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.6429, -95.94757
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating14 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2010)
Projected traffic60 by 2028
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$155,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 179 over Sulphur Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 179 over Sulphur Creek Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does CR 179 over Sulphur Creek Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2010 count).

How long is CR 179 over Sulphur Creek Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns CR 179 over Sulphur Creek Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.