US Bridges

IH 45 Wfr over Bliss Creek

Fair

Leon County, Texas · 3.35 MI S of US 79 · Structure no. 171450067503148

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
57 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
210
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 Wfr over Bliss Creek is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 Wfr over Bliss Creek in Leon County, Texas. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 210 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2033. The structure is 57 ft (17.5 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 Wfr
CrossesBliss Creek
Location3.35 MI S of US 79
RouteInterstate 45
CountyLeon County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.41089, -96.04315
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic210 (2013)
Projected traffic300 by 2033
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 IH 45 Wfr over Bliss Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 Wfr over Bliss 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 IH 45 Wfr over Bliss Creek carry?

About 210 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 Wfr over Bliss Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 Wfr over Bliss Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.