US Bridges

SH 81 SB over SH 81 NB

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 1.3 MI SE of IH 35 · Structure no. 091100001406373

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
162 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,274
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 81 SB over SH 81 NB is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 81 SB over SH 81 NB 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 5,274 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,309 by 2039. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 32 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 81 SB
CrossesSH 81 NB
Location1.3 MI SE of IH 35
RouteState Highway 35
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.03514, -97.11431
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,274 (2023)
Projected traffic6,309 by 2039
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 81 SB over SH 81 NB built?

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

What condition is SH 81 SB over SH 81 NB 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 81 SB over SH 81 NB carry?

About 5,274 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 81 SB over SH 81 NB?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SH 81 SB over SH 81 NB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.