US Bridges

SH 22 over Rocky Branch

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 1.11 MI E of FM 1947 · Structure no. 091100012102036

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,577
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 22 over Rocky Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 22 over Rocky Branch in Hill County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 86 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 5,577 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,873 by 2039. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 22
CrossesRocky Branch
Location1.11 MI E of FM 1947
RouteState Highway 22
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.98625, -97.20556
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,577 (2020)
Projected traffic7,873 by 2039
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 22 over Rocky Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is SH 22 over Rocky Branch 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 22 over Rocky Branch carry?

About 5,577 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 22 over Rocky Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns SH 22 over Rocky Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.