US Bridges

SH 17 over Madera Diverision Channe

Fair

Reeves County, Texas · 0.25 MI S of FM 3078 · Structure no. 061950010401042

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
688
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 17 over Madera Diverision Channe is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 17 over Madera Diverision Channe in Reeves County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 85 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 688 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 963 by 2042. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 17
CrossesMadera Diverision Channe
Location0.25 MI S of FM 3078
RouteState Highway 17
CountyReeves County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.9399, -103.79175
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic688 (2022)
Projected traffic963 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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 17 over Madera Diverision Channe built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is SH 17 over Madera Diverision Channe 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SH 17 over Madera Diverision Channe carry?

About 688 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 17 over Madera Diverision Channe?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 17 over Madera Diverision Channe?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.