US Bridges

FM 56 over Grass Creek

Fair

Bosque County, Texas · 5.7 MI NW of JCT SH 174 · Structure no. 090180185203004

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
725
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 56 over Grass Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 56 over Grass Creek in Bosque County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 725 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 56
CrossesGrass Creek
Location5.7 MI NW of JCT SH 174
RouteState Highway 56
CountyBosque County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.15173, -97.58528
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 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 width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic725 (2020)
Projected traffic600 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$654,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 56 over Grass Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 56 over Grass 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 56 over Grass Creek carry?

About 725 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 56 over Grass Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 56 over Grass Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.