US Bridges

FM 796 over Papalote Creek

Good

Bee County, Texas · 1.2 MI NW of SH 359 · Structure no. 160130111801012

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
68 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
306
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 796 over Papalote Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 796 over Papalote Creek in Bee County, Texas. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 306 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2031. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 796
CrossesPapalote Creek
Location1.2 MI NW of SH 359
RouteState Highway 796
CountyBee County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.18242, -97.77025
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHL 93
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic306 (2020)
Projected traffic700 by 2031
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 796 over Papalote Creek built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 796 over Papalote Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does FM 796 over Papalote Creek carry?

About 306 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is FM 796 over Papalote Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FM 796 over Papalote Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.