US Bridges

SH 174 over Brazos River

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 5.8 MI W of FM 933 · Structure no. 091100051902005

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
1,294 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,030
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 174 over Brazos River is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying SH 174 over Brazos River in Hill County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 3,030 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,910 by 2039. The structure is 1,294 ft (394.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 174
CrossesBrazos River
Location5.8 MI W of FM 933
RouteState Highway 174
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.12347, -97.49262
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+9 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,294 ft (394.4 m)
Longest span201 ft (61.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,030 (2020)
Projected traffic3,910 by 2039
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 174 over Brazos River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 174 over Brazos River 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 174 over Brazos River carry?

About 3,030 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 174 over Brazos River?

The structure is 1,294 ft (394.4 m) long with a longest span of 201 ft (61.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SH 174 over Brazos River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.