US Bridges

IH 20 Ebml over Colorado River

Fair

Mitchell County, Texas · 2.1 MI W of SH 208 · Structure no. 081680000508095

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
580 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,750
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 Ebml over Colorado River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 Ebml over Colorado River in Mitchell County, Texas. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 63 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 9,750 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,400 by 2033. The structure is 580 ft (176.8 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 20 Ebml
CrossesColorado River
Location2.1 MI W of SH 208
RouteInterstate 20
CountyMitchell County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.39915, -100.89394
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length580 ft (176.8 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,750 (2019)
Projected traffic8,400 by 2033
Trucks43%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$2.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 20 Ebml over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is IH 20 Ebml over Colorado River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does IH 20 Ebml over Colorado River carry?

About 9,750 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 Ebml over Colorado River?

The structure is 580 ft (176.8 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 Ebml over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.