US Bridges

CR 291 over Middle Bernard Creek

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 1.2 MI N of US 90A · Structure no. 132410AA0350001

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
214 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
290
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 291 over Middle Bernard Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 291 over Middle Bernard Creek in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 290 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2034. The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 291
CrossesMiddle Bernard Creek
Location1.2 MI N of US 90A
RouteCounty Highway 291
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.54642, -96.09099
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadUnknown
Structure length214 ft (65.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic290 (2014)
Projected traffic400 by 2034
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 291 over Middle Bernard Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 291 over Middle 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 291 over Middle Bernard Creek carry?

About 290 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CR 291 over Middle Bernard Creek?

The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CR 291 over Middle Bernard Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.