US Bridges

SH 14 over Steele Creek

Fair

Limestone County, Texas · 6.45 MI N of SH 7 · Structure no. 091470009306030

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
314 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
2,185
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 14 over Steele Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 14 over Steele Creek in Limestone County, Texas. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 92 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 5 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 2,185 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,500 by 2038. The structure is 314 ft (95.6 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 14
CrossesSteele Creek
Location6.45 MI N of SH 7
RouteState Highway 14
CountyLimestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.39396, -96.59077
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadH 15
Structure length314 ft (95.6 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.7 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,185 (2023)
Projected traffic2,500 by 2038
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 14 over Steele Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is SH 14 over Steele 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 SH 14 over Steele Creek carry?

About 2,185 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SH 14 over Steele Creek?

The structure is 314 ft (95.6 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.7 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 14 over Steele Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.