US Bridges

IH 20 S FR over Prairie Creek

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 0.75 MI W of US 69 · Structure no. 102120049504062

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,930
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 S FR over Prairie Creek is a concrete culvert carrying IH 20 S FR over Prairie Creek in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 4,930 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,360 by 2039. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 20 S FR
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location0.75 MI W of US 69
RouteInterstate 20
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.46818, -95.40052
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,930 (2019)
Projected traffic7,360 by 2039
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 20 S FR over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 20 S FR over Prairie 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does IH 20 S FR over Prairie Creek carry?

About 4,930 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 S FR over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 S FR over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.