US Bridges

FM 3117 over Little Elm Creek

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 1.40 MI S of SH 53 · Structure no. 090140315701003

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
251 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
559
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 3117 over Little Elm Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 3117 over Little Elm Creek 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 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 559 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 980 by 2035. The structure is 251 ft (76.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 3117
CrossesLittle Elm Creek
Location1.40 MI S of SH 53
RouteState Highway 3117
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.05171, -97.26419
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length251 ft (76.5 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic559 (2020)
Projected traffic980 by 2035
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$1.4 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 3117 over Little Elm Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 3117 over Little Elm Creek 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 3117 over Little Elm Creek carry?

About 559 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 3117 over Little Elm Creek?

The structure is 251 ft (76.5 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 3117 over Little Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.