US Bridges

FM 438 over Clark Branch

Good

Bell County, Texas · 1.7 MI NE of Lp 363 · Structure no. 090140083501003

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,029
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 438 over Clark Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 438 over Clark Branch in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 77 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 1,029 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,255 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 438
CrossesClark Branch
Location1.7 MI NE of Lp 363
RouteState Highway 438
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.1202, -97.2887
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 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 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 spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,029 (2023)
Projected traffic1,255 by 2042
Trucks21%
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 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 438 over Clark Branch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is FM 438 over Clark 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 2025.

How much traffic does FM 438 over Clark Branch carry?

About 1,029 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is FM 438 over Clark Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns FM 438 over Clark Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.