US Bridges

CR 438 over IH 20

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 2.1 MI E of SH 110 · Structure no. 102120049504054

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
252 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
77
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 438 over IH 20 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 438 over IH 20 in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 77 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 77 by 2041. The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 438
CrossesIH 20
Location2.1 MI E of SH 110
RouteCounty Highway 438
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.4787, -95.48779
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length252 ft (76.8 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic77 (2021)
Projected traffic77 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 CR 438 over IH 20 built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 438 over IH 20 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 2023.

How much traffic does CR 438 over IH 20 carry?

About 77 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CR 438 over IH 20?

The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns CR 438 over IH 20?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.