US Bridges

FM 509 over Main Irrigation Canal

Good

Cameron County, Texas · 0.60 MI S of FM 675 · Structure no. 210310106501006

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,984
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 509 over Main Irrigation Canal is a concrete culvert carrying FM 509 over Main Irrigation Canal in Cameron County, Texas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,984 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,978 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesFM 509
CrossesMain Irrigation Canal
Location0.60 MI S of FM 675
RouteState Highway 509
StateTexas
Coordinates26.08545, -97.72056
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 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 traffic4,984 (2023)
Projected traffic6,978 by 2042
Trucks29%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 509 over Main Irrigation Canal built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 509 over Main Irrigation Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does FM 509 over Main Irrigation Canal carry?

About 4,984 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is FM 509 over Main Irrigation Canal?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM 509 over Main Irrigation Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.