US Bridges

SH 70 over Chicken Creek

Fair

Roberts County, Texas · 1.1 MI South JCT FM 283 · Structure no. 041970049004003

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1974
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
330 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
1,211
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Chicken Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 70 over Chicken Creek in Roberts County, Texas. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1974, so it is 74 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.

It carries about 1,211 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,180 by 2033. The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesChicken Creek
Location1.1 MI South JCT FM 283
RouteState Highway 70
CountyRoberts County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.89818, -100.86169
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13
Design loadOther
Structure length330 ft (100.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,211 (2023)
Projected traffic3,180 by 2033
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$40,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 70 over Chicken Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1974.

What condition is SH 70 over Chicken 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH 70 over Chicken Creek carry?

About 1,211 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Chicken Creek?

The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Chicken Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.