US Bridges

FM 506 over N Floodway Pilot Channel

Fair

Cameron County, Texas · 4.0 MI SW of Bus 77 · Structure no. 210310087202003

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
150 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
891
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 506 over N Floodway Pilot Channel is a concrete slab carrying FM 506 over N Floodway Pilot Channel in Cameron County, Texas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 891 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,330 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 506
CrossesN Floodway Pilot Channel
Location4.0 MI SW of Bus 77
RouteState Highway 506
CountyCameron County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.30994, -97.82407
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
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 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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic891 (2020)
Projected traffic1,330 by 2033
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$9,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 506 over N Floodway Pilot Channel built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 506 over N Floodway Pilot Channel 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 506 over N Floodway Pilot Channel carry?

About 891 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is FM 506 over N Floodway Pilot Channel?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 506 over N Floodway Pilot Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.