US Bridges

IH 20 Ebml over Sweetwater Creek

Fair

Nolan County, Texas · 0.85 MI W of FM 1856 · Structure no. 081770000603063

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
212 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
15,615
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 Ebml over Sweetwater Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 Ebml over Sweetwater Creek in Nolan County, Texas. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 71 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 5 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 15,615 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,540 by 2033. The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 20 Ebml
CrossesSweetwater Creek
Location0.85 MI W of FM 1856
RouteInterstate 20
CountyNolan County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.48526, -100.35175
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length212 ft (64.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,615 (2019)
Projected traffic13,540 by 2033
Trucks41%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 IH 20 Ebml over Sweetwater Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is IH 20 Ebml over Sweetwater 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does IH 20 Ebml over Sweetwater Creek carry?

About 15,615 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 Ebml over Sweetwater Creek?

The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 Ebml over Sweetwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.