US Bridges

SH 70 over Butte Creek

Fair

Kent County, Texas · 0.55 MI S of US 380 · Structure no. 081320026302020

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
167 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
176
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Butte Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 70 over Butte Creek in Kent County, Texas. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 176 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 280 by 2033. The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesButte Creek
Location0.55 MI S of US 380
RouteState Highway 70
CountyKent County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.15257, -100.65204
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 2023
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 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 spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length167 ft (50.9 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic176 (2023)
Projected traffic280 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 Butte Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 70 over Butte 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SH 70 over Butte Creek carry?

About 176 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Butte Creek?

The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Butte Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.