US Bridges

SH 326 over Black Creek

Fair

Hardin County, Texas · 4.20 MI N of FM 421 · Structure no. 201010060101003

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
86 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 326 over Black Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 326 over Black Creek in Hardin County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1982, 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 6 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,110 by 2033. The structure is 86 ft (26.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 326
CrossesBlack Creek
Location4.20 MI N of FM 421
RouteState Highway 326
CountyHardin County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.25557, -94.36491
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2022)
Projected traffic3,110 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 326 over Black Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is SH 326 over Black 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SH 326 over Black Creek carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is SH 326 over Black Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 326 over Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.