US Bridges

IH45 Wfr over Elm Creek

Fair

Navarro County, Texas · 1.7 MI NW of FM 246 · Structure no. 181750016601004

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1946
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH45 Wfr over Elm Creek is a concrete culvert carrying IH45 Wfr over Elm Creek in Navarro County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1946, so it is 96 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 140 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesIH45 Wfr
CrossesElm Creek
Location1.7 MI NW of FM 246
RouteInterstate 45
StateTexas
Coordinates31.8949, -96.36608
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2013)
Projected traffic140 by 2033
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 IH45 Wfr over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1946.

What condition is IH45 Wfr over Elm 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does IH45 Wfr over Elm Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is IH45 Wfr over Elm Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns IH45 Wfr over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.