US Bridges

US 290 over Little Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Travis County, Texas · 2.45 MI E of FM 973 · Structure no. 142270011403056

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
38,890
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 290 over Little Cottonwood Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 290 over Little Cottonwood Creek in Travis County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 85 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 38,890 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,630 by 2033. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 290
CrossesLittle Cottonwood Creek
Location2.45 MI E of FM 973
RouteU.S. Route 290
CountyTravis County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.35066, -97.49781
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,890 (2020)
Projected traffic42,630 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$50,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 290 over Little Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is US 290 over Little Cottonwood 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 290 over Little Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 38,890 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 290 over Little Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 290 over Little Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.