US Bridges

SH 7 over Steele Creek

Fair

Robertson County, Texas · 3.0 MI E of FM 979 · Structure no. 171980038204025

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
182 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,349
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Steele Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 7 over Steele Creek in Robertson County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 3,349 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,689 by 2042. The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesSteele Creek
Location3.0 MI E of FM 979
RouteState Highway 7
CountyRobertson County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.26015, -96.36611
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length182 ft (55.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,349 (2023)
Projected traffic4,689 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 7 over Steele Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 7 over Steele 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Steele Creek carry?

About 3,349 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Steele Creek?

The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Steele Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.