US Bridges

SH 81 over Little Hackberry Creek

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 2.2 MI S of FM 2959 · Structure no. 091100001406077

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
150 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,765
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 81 over Little Hackberry Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 81 over Little Hackberry 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 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 1,765 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,967 by 2039. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 81
CrossesLittle Hackberry Creek
Location2.2 MI S of FM 2959
RouteState Highway 81
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.05848, -97.12162
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,765 (2020)
Projected traffic1,967 by 2039
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 81 over Little Hackberry Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 81 over Little Hackberry 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SH 81 over Little Hackberry Creek carry?

About 1,765 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is SH 81 over Little Hackberry Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 81 over Little Hackberry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.