US Bridges

Prairie Chapel RD over Tonk Creek

PoorPosted for load

McLennan County, Texas · 0.60 MI NW of FM 185 · Structure no. 091610AA0150001

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Other
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
358
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Prairie Chapel RD over Tonk Creek is a prestressed concrete other carrying Prairie Chapel RD over Tonk Creek in McLennan County, Texas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 358 vehicles a day, projected to reach 225 by 2036. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesPrairie Chapel RD
CrossesTonk Creek
Location0.60 MI NW of FM 185
RouteCounty Highway 446
CountyMcLennan County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.53988, -97.45451
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic358 (2020)
Projected traffic225 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$523,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Prairie Chapel RD over Tonk Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Prairie Chapel RD over Tonk Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Prairie Chapel RD over Tonk Creek carry?

About 358 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Prairie Chapel RD over Tonk Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Prairie Chapel RD over Tonk Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.