US Bridges

CR 342 over Watson Branch

GoodPosted for load

Limestone County, Texas · 0.30 MI NE of SH 164 · Structure no. 091470AA0501001

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 342 over Watson Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 342 over Watson Branch in Limestone County, Texas. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2036. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 342
CrossesWatson Branch
Location0.30 MI NE of SH 164
RouteCounty Highway 342
CountyLimestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.5485, -96.75236
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2016)
Projected traffic75 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$208,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 342 over Watson Branch built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 342 over Watson Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does CR 342 over Watson Branch carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is CR 342 over Watson Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns CR 342 over Watson Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.