US Bridges

FM 106 Lift Bridge over Arroyo Colorado

Fair

Cameron County, Texas · 1.00 MI W of SH 345 · Structure no. 210310063002003

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
382 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,072
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 106 Lift Bridge over Arroyo Colorado is a steel movable - lift carrying FM 106 Lift Bridge over Arroyo Colorado in Cameron 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 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 6,072 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,940 by 2033. The structure is 382 ft (116.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 106 Lift Bridge
CrossesArroyo Colorado
Location1.00 MI W of SH 345
RouteState Highway 106
CountyCameron County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.23563, -97.58482
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length382 ft (116.4 m)
Longest span145 ft (44.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck19 ft (5.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,072 (2022)
Projected traffic2,940 by 2033
Trucks20%
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$809,000
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 106 Lift Bridge over Arroyo Colorado built?

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

What condition is FM 106 Lift Bridge over Arroyo Colorado 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM 106 Lift Bridge over Arroyo Colorado carry?

About 6,072 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is FM 106 Lift Bridge over Arroyo Colorado?

The structure is 382 ft (116.4 m) long with a longest span of 145 ft (44.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM 106 Lift Bridge over Arroyo Colorado?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.