US Bridges

SH 153 over Bluff Creek Branch

Good

Runnels County, Texas · 0.5 MI W of US 83 · Structure no. 072000065003011

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,567
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 153 over Bluff Creek Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 153 over Bluff Creek Branch in Runnels County, Texas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,567 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,650 by 2033. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 153
CrossesBluff Creek Branch
Location0.5 MI W of US 83
RouteState Highway 153
CountyRunnels County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.95009, -99.97135
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,567 (2020)
Projected traffic2,650 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Bluff Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 153 over Bluff Creek Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

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

About 2,567 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 153 over Bluff Creek Branch?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns SH 153 over Bluff Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.