US Bridges

CR 279 over West Bernard Creek

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 0.9 MI NE of US 90A · Structure no. 132410AA0337002

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
100 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 279 over West Bernard Creek is a concrete slab carrying CR 279 over West Bernard Creek in Wharton 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 20 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 100 by 2034. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 279
CrossesWest Bernard Creek
Location0.9 MI NE of US 90A
RouteCounty Highway 279
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.56485, -96.20567
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2014)
Projected traffic100 by 2034
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 CR 279 over West Bernard Creek built?

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

What condition is CR 279 over West Bernard 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does CR 279 over West Bernard Creek carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CR 279 over West Bernard Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns CR 279 over West Bernard Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.