US Bridges

US 79 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Williamson County, Texas · 1.45 MI E of FM 685 · Structure no. 142460020402052

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
120 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
22,245
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete slab carrying US 79 over Cottonwood Creek in Williamson County, Texas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 84 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 22,245 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,482 by 2041. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location1.45 MI E of FM 685
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyWilliamson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.54432, -97.53892
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,245 (2021)
Projected traffic36,482 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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 US 79 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is US 79 over Cottonwood 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 79 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 22,245 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.