US Bridges

SH 155 over Lake Palestine

Fair

Smith County, Texas · At Henderson County Line · Structure no. 102120052006056

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
4,620 ft
66 main spans
Daily traffic
15,811
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 155 over Lake Palestine is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 155 over Lake Palestine in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 54 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 15,811 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,135 by 2041. The structure is 4,620 ft (1,408.2 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 155
CrossesLake Palestine
LocationAt Henderson County Line
RouteState Highway 155
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.14712, -95.46932
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans66
Design loadHS 20
Structure length4,620 ft (1,408.2 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.5 m)
Roadway width75 ft (22.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,811 (2021)
Projected traffic22,135 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$8.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 155 over Lake Palestine built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is SH 155 over Lake Palestine 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 155 over Lake Palestine carry?

About 15,811 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 155 over Lake Palestine?

The structure is 4,620 ft (1,408.2 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns SH 155 over Lake Palestine?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.