US Bridges

SH 81 SB over Pecan Creek

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 2.9 MI SE of IH 35 · Structure no. 091100001406096

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,848
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 81 SB over Pecan Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 81 SB over Pecan Creek in Hill County, Texas. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 5 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 2,848 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,987 by 2039. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 81 SB
CrossesPecan Creek
Location2.9 MI SE of IH 35
RouteState Highway 81
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.01753, -97.12954
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,848 (2019)
Projected traffic3,987 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 SB over Pecan Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 81 SB over Pecan 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 SB over Pecan Creek carry?

About 2,848 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 81 SB over Pecan Creek?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns SH 81 SB over Pecan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.