US Bridges

FM 1741 over BNSF RR

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 0.56 MI S of SH 53 · Structure no. 090140183502009

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
265 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,307
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1741 over BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete continuous slab carrying FM 1741 over BNSF RR in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 12,307 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,850 by 2035. The structure is 265 ft (80.8 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1741
CrossesBNSF RR
Location0.56 MI S of SH 53
RouteState Highway 1741
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.09528, -97.35985
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length265 ft (80.8 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.4 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,307 (2020)
Projected traffic15,850 by 2035
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$1.4 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1741 over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1741 over BNSF RR 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1741 over BNSF RR carry?

About 12,307 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 1741 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 265 ft (80.8 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1741 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.