US Bridges

SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch

Fair

Runnels County, Texas · 1.1 MI NW of FM 383 · Structure no. 072000065003008

Built
1946
79 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,197
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch in Runnels County, Texas. It was built in 1946 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 79 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 2,197 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,020 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesSH 153
CrossesValley Creek Branch
Location1.1 MI NW of FM 383
RouteState Highway 153
StateTexas
Coordinates32.04929, -100.11329
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,197 (2020)
Projected traffic2,020 by 2033
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 153 over Valley Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch carry?

About 2,197 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.