US Bridges

US 79 over Upper Keechi Creek

Fair

Leon County, Texas · 2.65 MI W of FM 542 · Structure no. 171450020505051

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
640 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
5,615
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Upper Keechi Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 79 over Upper Keechi Creek in Leon County, Texas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 5,615 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,110 by 2033. The structure is 640 ft (195.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesUpper Keechi Creek
Location2.65 MI W of FM 542
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyLeon County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.56991, -95.88866
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16
Design loadH 20
Structure length640 ft (195.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,615 (2020)
Projected traffic9,110 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 79 over Upper Keechi Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 79 over Upper Keechi 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 79 over Upper Keechi Creek carry?

About 5,615 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Upper Keechi Creek?

The structure is 640 ft (195.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Upper Keechi Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.