US Bridges

SH 70 over Longs Branch

Fair

Motley County, Texas · 1.30 MI N of US 62 · Structure no. 251730010504024

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
212
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Longs Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 70 over Longs Branch in Motley County, Texas. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 93 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 212 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 410 by 2033. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesLongs Branch
Location1.30 MI N of US 62
RouteState Highway 70
CountyMotley County
StateTexas
Coordinates34.02836, -100.83953
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic212 (2020)
Projected traffic410 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SH 70 over Longs Branch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is SH 70 over Longs 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 70 over Longs Branch carry?

About 212 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Longs Branch?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Longs Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.