US Bridges

FM 86 over Watts Branch

Fair

Caldwell County, Texas · 4.4 MI S of Bastrop C/L · Structure no. 140280057102019

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,648
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 86 over Watts Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 86 over Watts Branch in Caldwell County, Texas. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 1,648 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,630 by 2033. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 86
CrossesWatts Branch
Location4.4 MI S of Bastrop C/L
RouteState Highway 86
CountyCaldwell County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.86898, -97.51456
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,648 (2020)
Projected traffic1,630 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 86 over Watts Branch built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 86 over Watts Branch 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FM 86 over Watts Branch carry?

About 1,648 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 86 over Watts Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM 86 over Watts Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.