US Bridges

FM 437 over Big Elm Creek

Good

Bell County, Texas · 3.10 MI S of SH 53 · Structure no. 090140059004063

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
182 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
690
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 437 over Big Elm Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 437 over Big Elm Creek 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 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 690 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2033. The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 437
CrossesBig Elm Creek
Location3.10 MI S of SH 53
RouteState Highway 437
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.00357, -97.18386
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length182 ft (55.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic690 (2020)
Projected traffic700 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 437 over Big Elm Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 437 over Big Elm 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 437 over Big Elm Creek carry?

About 690 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is FM 437 over Big Elm Creek?

The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 437 over Big Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.