US Bridges

SH 70 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Nolan County, Texas · 4.2 MI N of FM 1170 · Structure no. 081770026403008

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
98 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,005
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 70 over Cottonwood Creek in Nolan County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1956, 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 1,005 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,770 by 2033. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location4.2 MI N of FM 1170
RouteState Highway 70
CountyNolan County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.14561, -100.32433
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,005 (2020)
Projected traffic1,770 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is SH 70 over Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 1,005 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.