US Bridges

Blue Flat/ Panama over IH 20

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 2.9 MI E of SH 193 · Structure no. 021820031403144

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
290 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27,856
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blue Flat/ Panama over IH 20 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Blue Flat/ Panama over IH 20 in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 27,856 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2029. The structure is 290 ft (88.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlue Flat/ Panama
CrossesIH 20
Location2.9 MI E of SH 193
RouteCounty Highway 193
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.55115, -98.2713
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length290 ft (88.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,856 (2023)
Projected traffic100 by 2029
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$19,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Flat/ Panama over IH 20 built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Blue Flat/ Panama over IH 20 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Blue Flat/ Panama over IH 20 carry?

About 27,856 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Blue Flat/ Panama over IH 20?

The structure is 290 ft (88.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Flat/ Panama over IH 20?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.