US Bridges

FM 487 over Donahoe Creek Branch

Good

Bell County, Texas · 6.10 MI E of SH 95 · Structure no. 090140120104007

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
588
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 487 over Donahoe Creek Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 487 over Donahoe Creek Branch in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1955, 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 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 588 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2035. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 487
CrossesDonahoe Creek Branch
Location6.10 MI E of SH 95
RouteState Highway 487
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.8036, -97.34269
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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic588 (2020)
Projected traffic700 by 2035
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$261,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 487 over Donahoe Creek Branch built?

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

What condition is FM 487 over Donahoe Creek 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 487 over Donahoe Creek Branch carry?

About 588 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM 487 over Donahoe Creek Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM 487 over Donahoe Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.