US Bridges

Merck Road/Cr 377 over Willow Dam Slough

FairPosted for load

Matagorda County, Texas · 0.25 MI W of CO RD 443 · Structure no. 131580AA0446001

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
61 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merck Road/Cr 377 over Willow Dam Slough is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Merck Road/Cr 377 over Willow Dam Slough in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 78 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesMerck Road/Cr 377
CrossesWillow Dam Slough
Location0.25 MI W of CO RD 443
RouteCounty Highway 377
CountyMatagorda County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.74956, -96.14643
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2022)
Projected traffic78 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Merck Road/Cr 377 over Willow Dam Slough built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Merck Road/Cr 377 over Willow Dam Slough 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Merck Road/Cr 377 over Willow Dam Slough carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Merck Road/Cr 377 over Willow Dam Slough?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Merck Road/Cr 377 over Willow Dam Slough?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.