US Bridges

Research Forest WB over Panther Branch

Fair

Montgomery County, Texas · 0.45 MI W of Shenanoah · Structure no. 121700AA2063002

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
419 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,000
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Research Forest WB over Panther Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Research Forest WB over Panther Branch in Montgomery County, Texas. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 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 10,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,000 by 2033. The structure is 419 ft (127.7 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesResearch Forest WB
CrossesPanther Branch
Location0.45 MI W of Shenanoah
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMontgomery County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.17678, -95.47133
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+9 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length419 ft (127.7 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,000 (2013)
Projected traffic20,000 by 2033
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-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 Research Forest WB over Panther Branch built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Research Forest WB over Panther 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Research Forest WB over Panther Branch carry?

About 10,000 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Research Forest WB over Panther Branch?

The structure is 419 ft (127.7 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Research Forest WB over Panther Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.