US Bridges

US 277 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Val Verde County, Texas · 21.45 MI N of US 377 · Structure no. 222330016004058

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,207 ft
21 main spans
Daily traffic
1,054
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 277 over Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 277 over Buffalo Creek in Val Verde County, Texas. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,054 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,140 by 2033. The structure is 1,207 ft (367.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 277
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location21.45 MI N of US 377
RouteU.S. Route 277
CountyVal Verde County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.00819, -100.7426
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans21
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,207 ft (367.9 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,054 (2018)
Projected traffic1,140 by 2033
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 277 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 277 over Buffalo 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 277 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1,054 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 277 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 1,207 ft (367.9 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 277 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.