US Bridges

FM 796 over Aransas Creek

Fair

Bee County, Texas · 0.8 MI S of US 59 · Structure no. 160130111801001

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
567
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 796 over Aransas Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 796 over Aransas Creek in Bee County, Texas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 567 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 710 by 2033. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 796
CrossesAransas Creek
Location0.8 MI S of US 59
RouteState Highway 796
CountyBee County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.33254, -97.85809
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 inspectionApril 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic567 (2023)
Projected traffic710 by 2033
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 796 over Aransas Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 796 over Aransas 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FM 796 over Aransas Creek carry?

About 567 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is FM 796 over Aransas Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 796 over Aransas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.