US Bridges

FM 20 over Plum Creek

Fair

Caldwell County, Texas · 2.7 MI N of US 183 · Structure no. 140280011503007

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
1,000 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,802
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 20 over Plum Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 20 over Plum Creek in Caldwell County, Texas. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 78 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 7,802 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,448 by 2042. The structure is 1,000 ft (304.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 20
CrossesPlum Creek
Location2.7 MI N of US 183
RouteState Highway 20
CountyCaldwell County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.87478, -97.62434
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+36 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,000 ft (304.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,802 (2023)
Projected traffic15,448 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$510,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 20 over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is FM 20 over Plum 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does FM 20 over Plum Creek carry?

About 7,802 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 20 over Plum Creek?

The structure is 1,000 ft (304.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FM 20 over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.