US Bridges

CR 203 over Couch Creek

FairPosted for load

Hamilton County, Texas · 0.75 MI S of US 281 · Structure no. 090980AA0350001

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
53 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 203 over Couch Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 203 over Couch Creek in Hamilton 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 130 by 2036. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 203
CrossesCouch Creek
Location0.75 MI S of US 281
RouteCounty Highway 203
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.80655, -98.10884
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2016)
Projected traffic130 by 2036
Trucks0%
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

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$313,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 203 over Couch Creek built?

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

What condition is CR 203 over Couch 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does CR 203 over Couch Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is CR 203 over Couch Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CR 203 over Couch Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.