US Bridges

Lp 438 over Bluff Creek

Fair

Runnels County, Texas · 1.00 MI E of US 83 · Structure no. 072000065005022

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
213 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,034
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lp 438 over Bluff Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Lp 438 over Bluff Creek in Runnels County, Texas. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 1,034 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 220 by 2033. The structure is 213 ft (64.9 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLp 438
CrossesBluff Creek
Location1.00 MI E of US 83
RouteState Highway 438
CountyRunnels County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.95328, -99.94759
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length213 ft (64.9 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,034 (2023)
Projected traffic220 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lp 438 over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lp 438 over Bluff 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Lp 438 over Bluff Creek carry?

About 1,034 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is Lp 438 over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 213 ft (64.9 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Lp 438 over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.