US Bridges

CR 277 over Smothers Creek

Fair

Lavaca County, Texas · 1.15 MI SW of FM 340 · Structure no. 131430AA0202001

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
74 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2012 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 277 over Smothers Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 277 over Smothers Creek in Lavaca County, Texas. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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, projected to reach 100 by 2032. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 277
CrossesSmothers Creek
Location1.15 MI SW of FM 340
RouteCounty Highway 277
CountyLavaca County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.49637, -97.06682
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2012)
Projected traffic100 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 277 over Smothers Creek built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 277 over Smothers Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does CR 277 over Smothers Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is CR 277 over Smothers Creek?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns CR 277 over Smothers Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.