US Bridges

FM 439 over Nolan Branch

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 2.54 MI E of FM 3219 · Structure no. 090140083603009

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,224
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 439 over Nolan Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 439 over Nolan Branch in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 70 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 7,224 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,130 by 2033. 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 439
CrossesNolan Branch
Location2.54 MI E of FM 3219
RouteState Highway 439
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.08845, -97.6041
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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
DeckNot applicable
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 traffic7,224 (2020)
Projected traffic9,130 by 2033
Trucks3%
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 439 over Nolan Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is FM 439 over Nolan 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 439 over Nolan Branch carry?

About 7,224 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FM 439 over Nolan Branch?

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

Who owns FM 439 over Nolan Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.