US Bridges

FM 521 over Oyster Creek

FairClosed to traffic

Brazoria County, Texas · 2.90 MI NE of SH 35 · Structure no. 120200084706015

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
243 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
3,081
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 521 over Oyster Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 521 over Oyster Creek in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 3,081 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,150 by 2033. The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 521
CrossesOyster Creek
Location2.90 MI NE of SH 35
RouteState Highway 521
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.18632, -95.49193
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadOther
Structure length243 ft (74.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,081 (2020)
Projected traffic3,150 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$18,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 521 over Oyster Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 521 over Oyster 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 521 over Oyster Creek carry?

About 3,081 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 521 over Oyster Creek?

The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FM 521 over Oyster Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.