US Bridges

SH34 over South Sulphur River

Fair

Hunt County, Texas · 11.7 MI N JCT SH224&SH34 · Structure no. 011170017401027

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
750 ft
25 main spans
Daily traffic
2,101
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH34 over South Sulphur River is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH34 over South Sulphur River in Hunt County, Texas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 2,101 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,730 by 2033. The structure is 750 ft (228.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH34
CrossesSouth Sulphur River
Location11.7 MI N JCT SH224&SH34
RouteState Highway 34
CountyHunt County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.32279, -96.09101
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans25
Design loadOther
Structure length750 ft (228.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,101 (2023)
Projected traffic2,730 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$668,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH34 over South Sulphur River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH34 over South Sulphur 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH34 over South Sulphur River carry?

About 2,101 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH34 over South Sulphur River?

The structure is 750 ft (228.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SH34 over South Sulphur River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.