US Bridges

US 79 SB over UP RR

Fair

Williamson County, Texas · 3.25 MI E of FM 973 · Structure no. 142460032004074

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
225 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,750
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 SB over UP RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 79 SB over UP RR in Williamson County, Texas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 6,750 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,100 by 2039. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79 SB
CrossesUP RR
Location3.25 MI E of FM 973
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyWilliamson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.57151, -97.38265
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,750 (2019)
Projected traffic8,100 by 2039
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 79 SB over UP RR built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 79 SB over UP RR 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 SB over UP RR carry?

About 6,750 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is US 79 SB over UP RR?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 SB over UP RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.