US Bridges

FM 45 over South Willis Creek

FairPosted for load

Brown County, Texas · 1.30 MI E of US 377 · Structure no. 230250048006020

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
54 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,867
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 45 over South Willis Creek is a steel arch - deck carrying FM 45 over South Willis Creek in Brown County, Texas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,867 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,487 by 2038. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 45
CrossesSouth Willis Creek
Location1.30 MI E of US 377
RouteState Highway 45
CountyBrown County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.65912, -98.98117
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.5 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,867 (2020)
Projected traffic4,487 by 2038
Trucks8%
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$6,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 45 over South Willis Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 45 over South Willis 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does FM 45 over South Willis Creek carry?

About 3,867 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 45 over South Willis Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns FM 45 over South Willis Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.