US Bridges

US 290 over Little Devils River

Fair

Kimble County, Texas · 7.3 MI E of IH 10 · Structure no. 071340011201020

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
300 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,391
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 290 over Little Devils River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 290 over Little Devils River in Kimble County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 86 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 1,391 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,864 by 2042. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

CarriesUS 290
CrossesLittle Devils River
Location7.3 MI E of IH 10
RouteU.S. Route 290
StateTexas
Coordinates30.29653, -99.40802
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,391 (2022)
Projected traffic1,864 by 2042
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 290 over Little Devils River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is US 290 over Little Devils 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 290 over Little Devils River carry?

About 1,391 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US 290 over Little Devils River?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 290 over Little Devils River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.