US Bridges

US 83 over Sweetwater Creek Relief

Good

Wheeler County, Texas · 3.75 MI N of SH 152 · Structure no. 252420003008014

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,972
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 83 over Sweetwater Creek Relief is a concrete culvert carrying US 83 over Sweetwater Creek Relief in Wheeler County, Texas. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 93 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 1,972 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,160 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

CarriesUS 83
CrossesSweetwater Creek Relief
Location3.75 MI N of SH 152
RouteU.S. Route 83
StateTexas
Coordinates35.49487, -100.29002
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic1,972 (2020)
Projected traffic7,160 by 2033
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 US 83 over Sweetwater Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is US 83 over Sweetwater Creek 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 US 83 over Sweetwater Creek Relief carry?

About 1,972 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is US 83 over Sweetwater Creek Relief?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 83 over Sweetwater Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.