US Bridges

CR 221 over Buford Branch

Fair

King County, Texas · 1.20 MI S of FM 193 · Structure no. 251350AA0104001

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 221 over Buford Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CR 221 over Buford Branch in King County, Texas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 10 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 15 by 2030. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 221
CrossesBuford Branch
Location1.20 MI S of FM 193
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyKing County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.76371, -100.38856
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2030
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$1,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 221 over Buford Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 221 over Buford Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does CR 221 over Buford Branch carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CR 221 over Buford Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns CR 221 over Buford Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.