US Bridges

FM 3117 over Bug Branch

Good

Bell County, Texas · 2.20 MI S of SH 53 · Structure no. 090140315701002

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
727
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 3117 over Bug Branch is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 3117 over Bug Branch in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 727 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 980 by 2033. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesFM 3117
CrossesBug Branch
Location2.20 MI S of SH 53
RouteState Highway 3117
StateTexas
Coordinates31.04019, -97.26855
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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic727 (2020)
Projected traffic980 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$923,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 3117 over Bug Branch built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 3117 over Bug 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 3117 over Bug Branch carry?

About 727 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 3117 over Bug Branch?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 3117 over Bug Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.