US Bridges

SH 149 over Irons Bayou

Fair

Panola County, Texas · 0.10 MI N of FM 959 · Structure no. 191830039401013

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
546 ft
18 main spans
Daily traffic
5,780
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 149 over Irons Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 149 over Irons Bayou in Panola County, Texas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 70 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 5,780 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,170 by 2033. The structure is 546 ft (166.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 149
CrossesIrons Bayou
Location0.10 MI N of FM 959
RouteState Highway 149
CountyPanola County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.21491, -94.43292
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
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 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans18
Design loadH 20
Structure length546 ft (166.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,780 (2020)
Projected traffic9,170 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 149 over Irons Bayou built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is SH 149 over Irons Bayou 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 SH 149 over Irons Bayou carry?

About 5,780 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 149 over Irons Bayou?

The structure is 546 ft (166.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 149 over Irons Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.