US Bridges

US 77A/US 90A over Smothers Creek Relief

Fair

Lavaca County, Texas · 0.85 MI W of FM 340 · Structure no. 131430026903022

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,210
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77A/US 90A over Smothers Creek Relief is a concrete culvert carrying US 77A/US 90A over Smothers Creek Relief in Lavaca County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 95 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 7,210 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,090 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 77A/US 90A
CrossesSmothers Creek Relief
Location0.85 MI W of FM 340
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyLavaca County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.42666, -96.99918
Functional classRural Major 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 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
CrossesRelief for waterway
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/US 90A over Smothers Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is US 77A/US 90A over Smothers Creek Relief 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 77A/US 90A over Smothers Creek Relief carry?

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

How long is US 77A/US 90A over Smothers Creek Relief?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 77A/US 90A over Smothers Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.