US Bridges

FM 56 over Steele Creek

Fair

Bosque County, Texas · 1.6 MI SE of FM 927 · Structure no. 090180039805032

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
285 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,598
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 56 over Steele Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 56 over Steele 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 1,598 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,397 by 2042. The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 56
CrossesSteele Creek
Location1.6 MI SE of FM 927
RouteState Highway 56
CountyBosque County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.0029, -97.48417
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length285 ft (86.9 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,598 (2023)
Projected traffic2,397 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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$1.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 56 over Steele Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 56 over Steele 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 Steele Creek carry?

About 1,598 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 56 over Steele Creek?

The structure is 285 ft (86.9 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 56 over Steele Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.