US Bridges

US 77A over Smothers Creek

Good

Lavaca County, Texas · 0.82 MI SW of FM 340 · Structure no. 131430026903009

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
164 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,210
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77A over Smothers Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 77A over Smothers Creek in Lavaca County, Texas. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 101 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 7,210 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,090 by 2033. The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 77A
CrossesSmothers Creek
Location0.82 MI SW of FM 340
RouteU.S. Route 77
StateTexas
Coordinates29.42689, -96.99851
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length164 ft (50 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,210 (2013)
Projected traffic10,090 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 US 77A over Smothers Creek built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is US 77A over Smothers Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does US 77A over Smothers Creek carry?

About 7,210 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 77A over Smothers Creek?

The structure is 164 ft (50 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 77A over Smothers Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.