US Bridges

FM 251 over Black Bayou

Fair

Cass County, Texas · 2.10 MI S of SH 77 · Structure no. 190340081201008

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
243 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,124
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 251 over Black Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 251 over Black Bayou in Cass County, Texas. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 1,124 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,641 by 2042. The structure is 243 ft (74 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 251
CrossesBlack Bayou
Location2.10 MI S of SH 77
RouteState Highway 251
CountyCass County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.07463, -94.16315
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length243 ft (74 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,124 (2023)
Projected traffic1,641 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 251 over Black Bayou built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 251 over Black Bayou 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 2024.

How much traffic does FM 251 over Black Bayou carry?

About 1,124 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 251 over Black Bayou?

The structure is 243 ft (74 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 251 over Black Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.