US Bridges

SH 70 over Girard Creek

Good

Kent County, Texas · 0.6 MI NW of FM 643 · Structure no. 081320010603040

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
199
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Girard Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 70 over Girard Creek in Kent County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 88 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 199 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 670 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesGirard Creek
Location0.6 MI NW of FM 643
RouteState Highway 70
CountyKent County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.36997, -100.66825
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic199 (2020)
Projected traffic670 by 2033
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 70 over Girard Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is SH 70 over Girard Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does SH 70 over Girard Creek carry?

About 199 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Girard Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Girard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.