US Bridges

SH 256 over Polecat Creek

Fair

Hall County, Texas · 3.75 MI W of FM 657 · Structure no. 250970054102031

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
131 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
264
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 256 over Polecat Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 256 over Polecat Creek in Hall County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 264 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 390 by 2033. The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 256
CrossesPolecat Creek
Location3.75 MI W of FM 657
RouteState Highway 256
CountyHall County
StateTexas
Coordinates34.67719, -100.80278
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length131 ft (39.9 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic264 (2020)
Projected traffic390 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Polecat Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 256 over Polecat 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 256 over Polecat Creek carry?

About 264 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is SH 256 over Polecat Creek?

The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 256 over Polecat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.