US Bridges

FM 438 over Big Elm Creek

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 4.08 MI S of FM 935 · Structure no. 090140083501005

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
150 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
815
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 438 over Big Elm Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 438 over Big Elm Creek 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 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 815 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,090 by 2036. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 438
CrossesBig Elm Creek
Location4.08 MI S of FM 935
RouteState Highway 438
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.12459, -97.23244
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic815 (2020)
Projected traffic1,090 by 2036
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$915,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 438 over Big Elm Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 438 over Big Elm Creek 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 438 over Big Elm Creek carry?

About 815 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 438 over Big Elm Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 438 over Big Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.