US Bridges

US 69 over Wales Branch

Good

Tyler County, Texas · 1.5 MI N of Hardin CO · Structure no. 202290020008029

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,078
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 69 over Wales Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 69 over Wales Branch in Tyler County, Texas. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 93 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 7,078 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,909 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

CarriesUS 69
CrossesWales Branch
Location1.5 MI N of Hardin CO
RouteU.S. Route 69
StateTexas
Coordinates30.54845, -94.39994
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,078 (2022)
Projected traffic9,909 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 US 69 over Wales Branch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is US 69 over Wales Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does US 69 over Wales Branch carry?

About 7,078 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 69 over Wales Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 69 over Wales Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.