US Bridges

FM 294 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Armstrong County, Texas · 1.2 MI N of US 287 · Structure no. 040060078803003

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
106
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 294 over Cottonwood Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 294 over Cottonwood Creek in Armstrong County, Texas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 106 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 290 by 2033. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 294
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location1.2 MI N of US 287
RouteState Highway 294
CountyArmstrong County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.05138, -101.18639
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic106 (2020)
Projected traffic290 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$14,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 294 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 294 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 294 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 106 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 294 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns FM 294 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.