US Bridges

SH 254 over Dark Valley Creek

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 4.2 MI W of FM 4 · Structure no. 021820036204021

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,972
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 254 over Dark Valley Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 254 over Dark Valley Creek in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 1,972 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,800 by 2033. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 254
CrossesDark Valley Creek
Location4.2 MI W of FM 4
RouteState Highway 254
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.91938, -98.34073
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,972 (2024)
Projected traffic2,800 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 254 over Dark Valley Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 254 over Dark Valley 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 254 over Dark Valley Creek carry?

About 1,972 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 254 over Dark Valley Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 254 over Dark Valley Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.