US Bridges

US 79 over Sandy Creek Branch

Fair

Milam County, Texas · 4.05 MI E of US 77 · Structure no. 171660020406027

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1952
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
98 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
6,172
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Sandy Creek Branch is a concrete slab carrying US 79 over Sandy Creek Branch in Milam County, Texas. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1952, so it is 98 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 6,172 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,641 by 2042. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesSandy Creek Branch
Location4.05 MI E of US 77
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyMilam County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.69007, -96.91895
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,172 (2023)
Projected traffic8,641 by 2042
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 79 over Sandy Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1952.

What condition is US 79 over Sandy Creek Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 79 over Sandy Creek Branch carry?

About 6,172 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Sandy Creek Branch?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Sandy Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.