US Bridges

SH 42 over Rail(blacklands)/Fm 1513

Fair

Rusk County, Texas · 1.1 MI N of SH 323 · Structure no. 102010054502001

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
101 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,524
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 42 over Rail(blacklands)/Fm 1513 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 42 over Rail(blacklands)/Fm 1513 in Rusk County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 88 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 5 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 1,524 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,169 by 2041. The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 42
CrossesRail(blacklands)/Fm 1513
Location1.1 MI N of SH 323
RouteState Highway 42
CountyRusk County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.2475, -94.94195
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length101 ft (30.8 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,524 (2023)
Projected traffic2,169 by 2041
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 42 over Rail(blacklands)/Fm 1513 built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is SH 42 over Rail(blacklands)/Fm 1513 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 42 over Rail(blacklands)/Fm 1513 carry?

About 1,524 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is SH 42 over Rail(blacklands)/Fm 1513?

The structure is 101 ft (30.8 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 42 over Rail(blacklands)/Fm 1513?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.