US Bridges

FM 817 over Leon River

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 0.95 MI N of FM 93 · Structure no. 090140001505060

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
412 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,272
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 817 over Leon River is a steel truss - thru carrying FM 817 over Leon River in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 3,272 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,740 by 2035. The structure is 412 ft (125.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 817
CrossesLeon River
Location0.95 MI N of FM 93
RouteState Highway 817
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.06648, -97.44245
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length412 ft (125.6 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,272 (2020)
Projected traffic4,740 by 2035
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 817 over Leon River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 817 over Leon River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 817 over Leon River carry?

About 3,272 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FM 817 over Leon River?

The structure is 412 ft (125.6 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 817 over Leon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.