US Bridges

FM 96 over Black Bayou

Fair

Cass County, Texas · 2.95 MI NW of US 59 · Structure no. 190340157201001

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
999
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 96 over Black Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying FM 96 over Black Bayou in Cass County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 999 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,640 by 2042. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 96
CrossesBlack Bayou
Location2.95 MI NW of US 59
RouteState Highway 96
CountyCass County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.17998, -94.18657
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic999 (2022)
Projected traffic1,640 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 96 over Black Bayou built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 96 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 96 over Black Bayou carry?

About 999 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 96 over Black Bayou?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FM 96 over Black Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.