US Bridges

IH 45 Wfr over Prairie Branch Relief

Good

Walker County, Texas · 3.0 MI S of SH 30 · Structure no. 172360067507015

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,104
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 Wfr over Prairie Branch Relief is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 Wfr over Prairie Branch Relief in Walker County, Texas. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 66 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 1,104 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,325 by 2039. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 45 Wfr
CrossesPrairie Branch Relief
Location3.0 MI S of SH 30
CountyWalker County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.68667, -95.54039
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,104 (2019)
Projected traffic1,325 by 2039
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 IH 45 Wfr over Prairie Branch Relief built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is IH 45 Wfr over Prairie Branch Relief 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does IH 45 Wfr over Prairie Branch Relief carry?

About 1,104 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 Wfr over Prairie Branch Relief?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 Wfr over Prairie Branch Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.