US Bridges

FM 487 over Donahoe Creek

Good

Bell County, Texas · 3.20 MI E of SH 95 · Structure no. 090140120104019

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
192 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
724
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 487 over Donahoe Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 487 over Donahoe Creek in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 724 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 930 by 2035. The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 487
CrossesDonahoe Creek
Location3.20 MI E of SH 95
RouteState Highway 487
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.79171, -97.37723
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic724 (2020)
Projected traffic930 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 487 over Donahoe Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 487 over Donahoe 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 487 over Donahoe Creek carry?

About 724 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM 487 over Donahoe Creek?

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 487 over Donahoe Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.