US Bridges

FM 1237 over Shine Branch

Good

Bell County, Texas · 1.55 MI E of SH 317 · Structure no. 090140075202023

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,054
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1237 over Shine Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1237 over Shine Branch in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 years old, older 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 1,054 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,110 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesFM 1237
CrossesShine Branch
Location1.55 MI E of SH 317
RouteState Highway 1237
StateTexas
Coordinates31.18885, -97.38344
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 inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,054 (2020)
Projected traffic1,110 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$261,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1237 over Shine Branch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1237 over Shine Branch 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 1237 over Shine Branch carry?

About 1,054 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 1237 over Shine Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1237 over Shine Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.