US Bridges

US 79 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Leon County, Texas · 3.7 MI E of SH 75 · Structure no. 171450020505054

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
320 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
5,884
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 79 over Buffalo 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 5,884 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,990 by 2033. The structure is 320 ft (97.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location3.7 MI E of SH 75
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyLeon County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.49269, -96.01465
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 20
Structure length320 ft (97.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,884 (2020)
Projected traffic10,990 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 Buffalo Creek built?

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

What condition is US 79 over Buffalo 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 Buffalo Creek carry?

About 5,884 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 320 ft (97.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.