US Bridges

CR 18 over Sweetwater Creek

FairPosted for load

Wheeler County, Texas · 3.0 MI N of SH 152 · Structure no. 252420AA0182004

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 18 over Sweetwater Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 18 over Sweetwater Creek in Wheeler County, Texas. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 11 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 10 by 2030. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 18
CrossesSweetwater Creek
Location3.0 MI N of SH 152
RouteCounty Highway 18
CountyWheeler County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.48694, -100.21886
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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating27 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11 (2022)
Projected traffic10 by 2030
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$29,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 18 over Sweetwater Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 18 over Sweetwater 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 2024.

How much traffic does CR 18 over Sweetwater Creek carry?

About 11 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CR 18 over Sweetwater Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns CR 18 over Sweetwater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.