US Bridges

US 83 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Real County, Texas · 6.7 MI S of RR 337 · Structure no. 071930003606007

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
199 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
2,533
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 83 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 83 over Buffalo Creek in Real County, Texas. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 93 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 2,533 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,135 by 2038. The structure is 199 ft (60.8 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 83
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location6.7 MI S of RR 337
RouteU.S. Route 83
CountyReal County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.62935, -99.75655
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 inspectionJuly 2024
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length199 ft (60.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,533 (2020)
Projected traffic3,135 by 2038
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 US 83 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is US 83 over Buffalo 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 83 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 2,533 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 83 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 199 ft (60.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 83 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.