US Bridges

FM 437 over Whatley Branch

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 4.00 MI NE of SH 36 · Structure no. 090140059004062

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
86 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
812
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 437 over Whatley Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 437 over Whatley Branch in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 812 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,023 by 2042. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 437
CrossesWhatley Branch
Location4.00 MI NE of SH 36
RouteState Highway 437
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.97891, -97.19466
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic812 (2023)
Projected traffic1,023 by 2042
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$522,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 437 over Whatley Branch built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 437 over Whatley Branch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 437 over Whatley Branch carry?

About 812 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is FM 437 over Whatley Branch?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns FM 437 over Whatley Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.