US Bridges

CR 438 over Stinking Creek

FairPosted for load

Kent County, Texas · 1.2 MI S of CR 428 · Structure no. 081320AA0142001

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
81 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 438 over Stinking Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 438 over Stinking Creek in Kent County, Texas. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2040. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 438
CrossesStinking Creek
Location1.2 MI S of CR 428
RouteCounty Highway 438
CountyKent County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.08104, -100.53395
Functional classRural Local

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2020)
Projected traffic30 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 438 over Stinking Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 438 over Stinking 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does CR 438 over Stinking Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CR 438 over Stinking Creek?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns CR 438 over Stinking Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.