US Bridges

SH 7 over Sandy Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Texas · 0.80 MI SW of US 96 · Structure no. 112100005904011

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,419
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Sandy Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 7 over Sandy Branch in Shelby County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 91 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 5,419 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,587 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesSandy Branch
Location0.80 MI SW of US 96
RouteState Highway 7
CountyShelby County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.78023, -94.19192
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.4 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,419 (2022)
Projected traffic7,587 by 2042
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 7 over Sandy Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is SH 7 over Sandy 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Sandy Branch carry?

About 5,419 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Sandy Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Sandy Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.