US Bridges

FM 320 over Chalybeate Creek

Fair

Anderson County, Texas · 2.8 MI E of FM 645 · Structure no. 100010089101007

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,561
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 320 over Chalybeate Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 320 over Chalybeate Creek in Anderson County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 1,561 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,450 by 2033. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 320
CrossesChalybeate Creek
Location2.8 MI E of FM 645
RouteState Highway 320
CountyAnderson County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.76323, -95.73367
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,561 (2020)
Projected traffic2,450 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 320 over Chalybeate Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 320 over Chalybeate 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does FM 320 over Chalybeate Creek carry?

About 1,561 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 320 over Chalybeate Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM 320 over Chalybeate Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.