US Bridges

Bus Loop 20 (r) over Big Elm Creek

Fair

Taylor County, Texas · 1.00 MI E of US 83 · Structure no. 082210000618033

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
111 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,598
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bus Loop 20 (r) over Big Elm Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Bus Loop 20 (r) over Big Elm Creek in Taylor County, Texas. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 97 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 15,598 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,270 by 2033. The structure is 111 ft (33.8 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesBus Loop 20 (r)
CrossesBig Elm Creek
Location1.00 MI E of US 83
RouteState Highway 20
StateTexas
Coordinates32.45126, -99.76905
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length111 ft (33.8 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width69 ft (20.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,598 (2023)
Projected traffic20,270 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Bus Loop 20 (r) over Big Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is Bus Loop 20 (r) over Big Elm 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 Bus Loop 20 (r) over Big Elm Creek carry?

About 15,598 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Bus Loop 20 (r) over Big Elm Creek?

The structure is 111 ft (33.8 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns Bus Loop 20 (r) over Big Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.