US Bridges

US 79 over Respass Creek

Fair

Panola County, Texas · 3.40 MI NE of US 59 · Structure no. 191830024701014

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
64 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
8,448
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Respass Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 79 over Respass Creek in Panola County, Texas. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 67 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 8,448 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,230 by 2033. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesRespass Creek
Location3.40 MI NE of US 59
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyPanola County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.18393, -94.27055
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width75 ft (23 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,448 (2020)
Projected traffic16,230 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 79 over Respass Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is US 79 over Respass 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 79 over Respass Creek carry?

About 8,448 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Respass Creek?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Respass Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.