US Bridges

CR 397 over Black Branch Tributary

Fair

Nacogdoches County, Texas · 0.6 Mi. N. of SH 21 · Structure no. 111740AA0253001

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 397 over Black Branch Tributary is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 397 over Black Branch Tributary in Nacogdoches County, Texas. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2035. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 397
CrossesBlack Branch Tributary
Location0.6 Mi. N. of SH 21
RouteCounty Highway 397
CountyNacogdoches County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.51671, -94.32701
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2015)
Projected traffic50 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 CR 397 over Black Branch Tributary built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 397 over Black Branch Tributary 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does CR 397 over Black Branch Tributary carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is CR 397 over Black Branch Tributary?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns CR 397 over Black Branch Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.