US Bridges

FM 50 over Fountain Slough

Good

Burleson County, Texas · 3.5 MI SE of SH 21 · Structure no. 170260064803014

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
60 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,061
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 50 over Fountain Slough is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 50 over Fountain Slough in Burleson County, Texas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 2,061 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,885 by 2042. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 50
CrossesFountain Slough
Location3.5 MI SE of SH 21
RouteState Highway 50
CountyBurleson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.58741, -96.50124
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,061 (2023)
Projected traffic2,885 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$422,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 50 over Fountain Slough built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 50 over Fountain Slough 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does FM 50 over Fountain Slough carry?

About 2,061 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 50 over Fountain Slough?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 50 over Fountain Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.