US Bridges

IH 40 over North Elm Creek

Fair

Wheeler County, Texas · 3.10 MI E of FM 1802 · Structure no. 252420027513003

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,660
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 40 over North Elm Creek is a concrete culvert carrying IH 40 over North Elm Creek in Wheeler County, Texas. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1970, 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 9,660 vehicles a day, roughly 47% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,530 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 40
CrossesNorth Elm Creek
Location3.10 MI E of FM 1802
RouteInterstate 40
CountyWheeler County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.22675, -100.07629
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic9,660 (2013)
Projected traffic13,530 by 2033
Trucks47%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 40 over North Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is IH 40 over North Elm 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does IH 40 over North Elm Creek carry?

About 9,660 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 47% are trucks.

How long is IH 40 over North Elm Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns IH 40 over North Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.