US Bridges

SH 256 over Parker Creek

Fair

Hall County, Texas · 0.60 MI E of US 287 · Structure no. 250970038102002

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
135 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,650
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 256 over Parker Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 256 over Parker Creek in Hall County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 86 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 5 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 3,650 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,110 by 2033. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 256
CrossesParker Creek
Location0.60 MI E of US 287
RouteState Highway 256
CountyHall County
StateTexas
Coordinates34.72449, -100.52376
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,650 (2013)
Projected traffic5,110 by 2033
Trucks22%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 256 over Parker Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is SH 256 over Parker Creek 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SH 256 over Parker Creek carry?

About 3,650 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 256 over Parker Creek?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 256 over Parker Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.