US Bridges

FM 218 over Blanket Creek

Fair

Brown County, Texas · 1.15 MI E of US 84 · Structure no. 230250159601002

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
125 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
490
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 218 over Blanket Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 218 over Blanket Creek in Brown County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 490 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 542 by 2038. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 218
CrossesBlanket Creek
Location1.15 MI E of US 84
RouteState Highway 218
CountyBrown County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.6763, -98.77416
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic490 (2023)
Projected traffic542 by 2038
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 218 over Blanket Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 218 over Blanket 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 218 over Blanket Creek carry?

About 490 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is FM 218 over Blanket Creek?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 218 over Blanket Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.