US Bridges

US 77 over Nails Creek

Fair

Lee County, Texas · 2.6 MI N of US 290 · Structure no. 141440021104037

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
140 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,711
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77 over Nails Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 77 over Nails Creek in Lee County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1963, 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 7,711 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,040 by 2033. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 77
CrossesNails Creek
Location2.6 MI N of US 290
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyLee County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.2195, -96.9319
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,711 (2020)
Projected traffic13,040 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$15,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 77 over Nails Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is US 77 over Nails 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US 77 over Nails Creek carry?

About 7,711 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 77 over Nails Creek?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 77 over Nails Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.