US Bridges

IH 20 over Rats Branch

Fair

Van Zandt County, Texas · 0.51 MI W of SH 64 · Structure no. 102340049502031

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
49 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
43,616
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 over Rats Branch is a concrete culvert carrying IH 20 over Rats Branch in Van Zandt County, Texas. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 62 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 43,616 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 51,480 by 2033. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 20
CrossesRats Branch
Location0.51 MI W of SH 64
RouteInterstate 20
CountyVan Zandt County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.59993, -95.92963
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 loadHS 20
Structure length49 ft (14.9 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 traffic43,616 (2020)
Projected traffic51,480 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate 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 IH 20 over Rats Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is IH 20 over Rats Branch 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 IH 20 over Rats Branch carry?

About 43,616 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 over Rats Branch?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns IH 20 over Rats Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.