US Bridges

SH 42 over Turkey Creek

Fair

Rusk County, Texas · 0.2 MI W of US 259 · Structure no. 102010056401001

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,965
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 42 over Turkey Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 42 over Turkey Creek in Rusk County, Texas. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 87 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 4,965 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,852 by 2041. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 42
CrossesTurkey Creek
Location0.2 MI W of US 259
RouteState Highway 42
CountyRusk County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.36771, -94.87269
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum 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
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,965 (2021)
Projected traffic6,852 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 42 over Turkey Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is SH 42 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 42 over Turkey Creek carry?

About 4,965 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SH 42 over Turkey Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns SH 42 over Turkey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.