US Bridges

SH 81 over Lovelace Creek

Good

Hill County, Texas · 0.2 MI N of FM 2959 · Structure no. 091100001406075

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
110 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,038
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 81 over Lovelace Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 81 over Lovelace Creek in Hill County, Texas. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,038 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,967 by 2039. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 81
CrossesLovelace Creek
Location0.2 MI N of FM 2959
RouteState Highway 81
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.09208, -97.12813
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,038 (2023)
Projected traffic1,967 by 2039
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$800,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 81 over Lovelace Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 81 over Lovelace Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 81 over Lovelace Creek carry?

About 2,038 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 81 over Lovelace Creek?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 81 over Lovelace Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.