US Bridges

Old Highway 35 N over Willis Creek

FairPosted for load

Polk County, Texas · 2.9 MI N of US 59 · Structure no. 111870AA0176002

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
146 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
36
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Highway 35 N over Willis Creek is a concrete slab carrying Old Highway 35 N over Willis Creek in Polk County, Texas. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 36 vehicles a day, projected to reach 170 by 2035. The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Highway 35 N
CrossesWillis Creek
Location2.9 MI N of US 59
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyPolk County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.86574, -94.86054
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length146 ft (44.5 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36 (2023)
Projected traffic170 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$6,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Highway 35 N over Willis Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Highway 35 N over Willis 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Old Highway 35 N over Willis Creek carry?

About 36 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Old Highway 35 N over Willis Creek?

The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Old Highway 35 N over Willis Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.