US Bridges

FM 974 over Bee Creek

Good

Brazos County, Texas · 2.95 MI NE of FM 2038 · Structure no. 170210169102004

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,295
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 974 over Bee Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 974 over Bee Creek in Brazos 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,295 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,350 by 2033. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 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 974
CrossesBee Creek
Location2.95 MI NE of FM 2038
RouteState Highway 974
CountyBrazos County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.85826, -96.31113
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,295 (2020)
Projected traffic1,350 by 2033
Trucks16%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 974 over Bee Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 974 over Bee Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 974 over Bee Creek carry?

About 1,295 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM 974 over Bee Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 974 over Bee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.