US Bridges

IH 37 Efr over Sulphur Creek

Fair

Live Oak County, Texas · 3.9 MI SE of SH 72 · Structure no. 161490007401033

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
315 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 37 Efr over Sulphur Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 37 Efr over Sulphur Creek in Live Oak County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 88 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 125 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 175 by 2042. The structure is 315 ft (96 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 37 Efr
CrossesSulphur Creek
Location3.9 MI SE of SH 72
RouteInterstate 37
CountyLive Oak County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.44628, -98.1014
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length315 ft (96 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2022)
Projected traffic175 by 2042
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$219,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 37 Efr over Sulphur Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is IH 37 Efr over Sulphur 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does IH 37 Efr over Sulphur Creek carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is IH 37 Efr over Sulphur Creek?

The structure is 315 ft (96 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns IH 37 Efr over Sulphur Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.