US Bridges

SH 79 over North Elm Creek

Fair

Throckmorton County, Texas · 1.5 MI NE of US 283 · Structure no. 032240028402005

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
93 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
414
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 79 over North Elm Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 79 over North Elm Creek in Throckmorton County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 96 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 414 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,060 by 2037. The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 79
CrossesNorth Elm Creek
Location1.5 MI NE of US 283
RouteState Highway 79
CountyThrockmorton County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.20439, -99.15575
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length93 ft (28.3 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic414 (2020)
Projected traffic1,060 by 2037
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 79 over North Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is SH 79 over North 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SH 79 over North Elm Creek carry?

About 414 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SH 79 over North Elm Creek?

The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 79 over North Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.