US Bridges

FM 974 over Big Cedar Creek

Fair

Brazos County, Texas · 0.25 MI NW of FM 2038 · Structure no. 170210169102005

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,295
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 974 over Big Cedar Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 974 over Big Cedar 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 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.

It carries about 1,295 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,350 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 974
CrossesBig Cedar Creek
Location0.25 MI NW of FM 2038
RouteState Highway 974
CountyBrazos County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.83255, -96.33661
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.
Culvert5 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
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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 spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 974 over Big Cedar Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 974 over Big Cedar 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 Big Cedar Creek carry?

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

How long is FM 974 over Big Cedar Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns FM 974 over Big Cedar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.