US Bridges

SH 6 over China Branch

Fair

Knox County, Texas · 7.40 MI S of US 82 · Structure no. 251380009805018

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
396
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 6 over China Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 6 over China Branch in Knox County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 91 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 396 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 920 by 2033. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 6
CrossesChina Branch
Location7.40 MI S of US 82
RouteState Highway 6
CountyKnox County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.48487, -99.80642
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic396 (2020)
Projected traffic920 by 2033
Trucks43%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 6 over China Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is SH 6 over China 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SH 6 over China Branch carry?

About 396 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is SH 6 over China Branch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 6 over China Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.