US Bridges

Vernal Road over Big Creek Tributary

PoorPosted for load

McLennan County, Texas · 0.60 MI NW of FM 2957 · Structure no. 091610AA0591002

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
29
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vernal Road over Big Creek Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying Vernal Road over Big Creek Tributary in McLennan County, Texas. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 29 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2036. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVernal Road
CrossesBig Creek Tributary
Location0.60 MI NW of FM 2957
RouteCounty Highway 248
CountyMcLennan County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.59181, -96.87841
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29 (2020)
Projected traffic60 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 Vernal Road over Big Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vernal Road over Big Creek Tributary 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Vernal Road over Big Creek Tributary carry?

About 29 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Vernal Road over Big Creek Tributary?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Vernal Road over Big Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.