US Bridges

SH 176 over Buzzard Creek

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 2.6 MI W of FM 2599 · Structure no. 081150054804008

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,365
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 176 over Buzzard Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 176 over Buzzard Creek in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 3,365 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,160 by 2033. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 176
CrossesBuzzard Creek
Location2.6 MI W of FM 2599
RouteState Highway 176
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.27064, -101.66038
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,365 (2023)
Projected traffic3,160 by 2033
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 176 over Buzzard Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 176 over Buzzard 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 176 over Buzzard Creek carry?

About 3,365 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 176 over Buzzard Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 176 over Buzzard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.