US Bridges

FM 438 over Pond Creek Branch

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 1.25 MI S of FM 935 · Structure no. 090140083501007

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
465
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 438 over Pond Creek Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 438 over Pond Creek Branch in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 5 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 465 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 780 by 2036. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 438
CrossesPond Creek Branch
Location1.25 MI S of FM 935
RouteState Highway 438
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.15576, -97.2102
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.
Culvert5 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
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 spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic465 (2020)
Projected traffic780 by 2036
Trucks16%
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 438 over Pond Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 438 over Pond Creek 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 438 over Pond Creek Branch carry?

About 465 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM 438 over Pond Creek Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns FM 438 over Pond Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.