US Bridges

IH 20 WB over Prairie Creek

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 5.7 MI E of US 271 · Structure no. 102120049506235

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
225 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
20,076
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 WB over Prairie Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 WB over Prairie Creek in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 20,076 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,107 by 2041. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 20 WB
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location5.7 MI E of US 271
RouteInterstate 20
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.43854, -95.03658
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 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 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,076 (2021)
Projected traffic28,107 by 2041
Trucks41%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 20 WB over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 20 WB 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 WB over Prairie Creek carry?

About 20,076 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 WB over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 WB over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.