US Bridges

FM 974 over E Fork Wickson Creek

Fair

Brazos County, Texas · 7.2 MI NE of US 190 · Structure no. 170210054003034

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
581
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 974 over E Fork Wickson Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 974 over E Fork Wickson Creek in Brazos County, Texas. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 2007, so it is 63 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 581 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 900 by 2033. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 974
CrossesE Fork Wickson Creek
Location7.2 MI NE of US 190
RouteState Highway 974
CountyBrazos County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.79818, -96.36937
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic581 (2023)
Projected traffic900 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 974 over E Fork Wickson Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is FM 974 over E Fork Wickson 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 974 over E Fork Wickson Creek carry?

About 581 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 974 over E Fork Wickson Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns FM 974 over E Fork Wickson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.