US Bridges

FM 56 over Plowman Creek

Fair

Bosque County, Texas · 1.6 MI N Int SH 174 · Structure no. 090180185203005

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
760
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 56 over Plowman Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 56 over Plowman 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 760 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 540 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 56
CrossesPlowman Creek
Location1.6 MI N Int SH 174
RouteState Highway 56
CountyBosque County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.10049, -97.5551
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic760 (2020)
Projected traffic540 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$261,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 56 over Plowman Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 56 over Plowman 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 Plowman Creek carry?

About 760 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 56 over Plowman Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM 56 over Plowman Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.