US Bridges

SH 31 over Flat Creek

Fair

Henderson County, Texas · 1.7 MI NE of FM 317 N · Structure no. 101080016401001

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,401
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 31 over Flat Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 31 over Flat Creek in Henderson County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 96 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 13,401 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,493 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 151 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 31
CrossesFlat Creek
Location1.7 MI NE of FM 317 N
RouteState Highway 31
CountyHenderson County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.24823, -95.79076
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width151 ft (46.1 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,401 (2021)
Projected traffic18,493 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 31 over Flat Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is SH 31 over Flat 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 31 over Flat Creek carry?

About 13,401 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 31 over Flat Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 151 ft wide.

Who owns SH 31 over Flat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.