US Bridges

SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch

Fair

Runnels County, Texas · 2.25 MI SE of FM 383 · Structure no. 072000065003020

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
38 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,715
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch is a masonry culvert carrying SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch in Runnels County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1960, 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 2,715 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,060 by 2033. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 153
CrossesValley Creek Branch
Location2.25 MI SE of FM 383
RouteState Highway 153
CountyRunnels County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.00719, -100.08591
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width49 ft (15 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,715 (2020)
Projected traffic2,060 by 2033
Trucks17%
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 1940, making it 85 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 2,715 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns SH 153 over Valley Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.