US Bridges

Dowell Road over Big Elm Creek Tributary

Fair

McLennan County, Texas · 0.45 MI NW of Bell C/L · Structure no. 091610AA0232001

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Other
Prestressed Concrete
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
249
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Dowell Road over Big Elm Creek Tributary is a prestressed concrete other carrying Dowell Road over Big Elm Creek Tributary in McLennan County, Texas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 249 vehicles a day, projected to reach 65 by 2036. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesDowell Road
CrossesBig Elm Creek Tributary
Location0.45 MI NW of Bell C/L
RouteCounty Highway 140
CountyMcLennan County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.26355, -97.31673
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic249 (2022)
Projected traffic65 by 2036
Trucks0%
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

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$208,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Dowell Road over Big Elm Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Dowell Road over Big Elm Creek Tributary 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 2024.

How much traffic does Dowell Road over Big Elm Creek Tributary carry?

About 249 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Dowell Road over Big Elm Creek Tributary?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Dowell Road over Big Elm Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.