US Bridges

FM 439 over Long Branch Creek

Good

Bell County, Texas · 0.30 MI E of FM 2410 · Structure no. 090140083603014

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
62 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
15,572
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 439 over Long Branch Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 439 over Long Branch Creek in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 60 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 15,572 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,060 by 2035. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 439
CrossesLong Branch Creek
Location0.30 MI E of FM 2410
RouteState Highway 439
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.11612, -97.68886
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.7 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,572 (2016)
Projected traffic20,060 by 2035
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$392,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 439 over Long Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is FM 439 over Long Branch Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 439 over Long Branch Creek carry?

About 15,572 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FM 439 over Long Branch Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns FM 439 over Long Branch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.