US Bridges

SH 70 over Walnut Creek

Fair

Nolan County, Texas · 3.50 MI S of IH 20 · Structure no. 081770026401003

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
80 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,368
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Walnut Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 70 over Walnut Creek 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 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 3,368 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,440 by 2033. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location3.50 MI S of IH 20
RouteState Highway 70
CountyNolan County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.39885, -100.38461
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,368 (2022)
Projected traffic6,440 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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$86,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 70 over Walnut Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 70 over Walnut 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 Walnut Creek carry?

About 3,368 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.