US Bridges

FM 56 over Mesquite Creek

Fair

Bosque County, Texas · 4.3 MI S of SH 174 · Structure no. 090180039805031

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,204
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 56 over Mesquite Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 56 over Mesquite Creek in Bosque County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,204 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,565 by 2042. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 56
CrossesMesquite Creek
Location4.3 MI S of SH 174
RouteState Highway 56
CountyBosque County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.04783, -97.52032
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,204 (2023)
Projected traffic1,565 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$779,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 56 over Mesquite Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 56 over Mesquite 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 56 over Mesquite Creek carry?

About 1,204 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 56 over Mesquite Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 56 over Mesquite Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.