US Bridges

US 79 over Turkey Creek

Fair

Rusk County, Texas · 0.8 MI SW of Lp 571 · Structure no. 102010020607027

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
180 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
6,490
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Turkey Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 79 over Turkey Creek in Rusk County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 6,490 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,086 by 2041. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesTurkey Creek
Location0.8 MI SW of Lp 571
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyRusk County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.11368, -94.83905
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,490 (2021)
Projected traffic9,086 by 2041
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 79 over Turkey Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 79 over Turkey 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 79 over Turkey Creek carry?

About 6,490 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Turkey Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Turkey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.