US Bridges

Max Starke RD over Flathead Creek

Fair

Burnet County, Texas · 1.0 MI E of US 281 · Structure no. 140270AA0540001

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
165 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
99
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Max Starke RD over Flathead Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Max Starke RD over Flathead Creek in Burnet County, Texas. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 99 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 112 by 2042. The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMax Starke RD
CrossesFlathead Creek
Location1.0 MI E of US 281
RouteCounty Highway 540
CountyBurnet County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.55302, -98.2601
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadUnknown
Structure length165 ft (50.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic99 (2020)
Projected traffic112 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$249,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Max Starke RD over Flathead Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Max Starke RD over Flathead 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 2024.

How much traffic does Max Starke RD over Flathead Creek carry?

About 99 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Max Starke RD over Flathead Creek?

The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Max Starke RD over Flathead Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.