US Bridges

FM 2601 over Payne Branch

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 2.01 MI W of SH 317 · Structure no. 090140260202003

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
125 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
423
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 2601 over Payne Branch is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 2601 over Payne Branch in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 423 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 588 by 2042. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 2601
CrossesPayne Branch
Location2.01 MI W of SH 317
RouteState Highway 2601
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.26266, -97.41165
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic423 (2023)
Projected traffic588 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$821,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 2601 over Payne Branch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 2601 over Payne 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does FM 2601 over Payne Branch carry?

About 423 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 2601 over Payne Branch?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 2601 over Payne Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.