US Bridges

SH 70 over Ballard Creek

Fair

Motley County, Texas · 1.00 MI S of US 62 · Structure no. 251730010505026

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
728
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Ballard Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 70 over Ballard Creek in Motley County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 94 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 728 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,070 by 2033. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesBallard Creek
Location1.00 MI S of US 62
RouteState Highway 70
CountyMotley County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.99759, -100.82844
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 spans8
Design loadOther
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic728 (2024)
Projected traffic1,070 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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 Ballard Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is SH 70 over Ballard 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 70 over Ballard Creek carry?

About 728 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Ballard Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Ballard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.