US Bridges

FM 797 over Olmos Creek

FairPosted for load

Bee County, Texas · 0.7 MI W of FM 888 · Structure no. 160130111901002

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
135 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
118
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 797 over Olmos Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 797 over Olmos Creek in Bee County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1953, 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 118 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 230 by 2033. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 797
CrossesOlmos Creek
Location0.7 MI W of FM 888
RouteState Highway 797
CountyBee County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.25196, -97.75906
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadUnknown
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic118 (2023)
Projected traffic230 by 2033
Trucks1%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 797 over Olmos Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is FM 797 over Olmos 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 797 over Olmos Creek carry?

About 118 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is FM 797 over Olmos Creek?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 797 over Olmos Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.