US Bridges

US 277 over Elm Creek

Fair

Maverick County, Texas · 0.6 MI N of FM 1588 · Structure no. 221590029904007

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
285 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
7,487
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 277 over Elm Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 277 over Elm Creek in Maverick County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 91 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 7,487 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,450 by 2033. The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 277
CrossesElm Creek
Location0.6 MI N of FM 1588
RouteU.S. Route 277
CountyMaverick County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.7696, -100.49817
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 15
Structure length285 ft (86.9 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,487 (2020)
Projected traffic9,450 by 2033
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 277 over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is US 277 over Elm 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 277 over Elm Creek carry?

About 7,487 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US 277 over Elm Creek?

The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 277 over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.