US Bridges

SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek Branch

Good

Nolan County, Texas · 0.80 MI S of IH 20 · Structure no. 081770026401001

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,776
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek Branch in Nolan County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 99 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,776 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,440 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesSweetwater Creek Branch
Location0.80 MI S of IH 20
RouteState Highway 70
CountyNolan County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.43778, -100.39517
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,776 (2015)
Projected traffic6,440 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$105,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek Branch carry?

About 3,776 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.