US Bridges

SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek

Fair

Nolan County, Texas · 1.70 MI S of IH 20 · Structure no. 081770026401002

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
221 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,776
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek in Nolan County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1985, 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 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 3,776 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,440 by 2033. The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesSweetwater Creek
Location1.70 MI S of IH 20
RouteState Highway 70
CountyNolan County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.42659, -100.39251
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length221 ft (67.4 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is SH 70 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 SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek carry?

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

How long is SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek?

The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Sweetwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.