US Bridges

SH 31 over Douglas Branch

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 0.14 MI E of US 271 · Structure no. 102120042401029

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,161
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 31 over Douglas Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 31 over Douglas Branch in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 17,161 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,840 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 31
CrossesDouglas Branch
Location0.14 MI E of US 271
RouteState Highway 31
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.34668, -95.29182
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,161 (2018)
Projected traffic18,840 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 SH 31 over Douglas Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 31 over Douglas 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SH 31 over Douglas Branch carry?

About 17,161 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SH 31 over Douglas Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 31 over Douglas Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.