US Bridges

FM 161 over Prairie Branch

Fair

Cass County, Texas · 3.60 MI N of FM130 · Structure no. 190340157402005

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
278
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 161 over Prairie Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 161 over Prairie Branch in Cass County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 278 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 490 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 161
CrossesPrairie Branch
Location3.60 MI N of FM130
RouteState Highway 161
CountyCass County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.10807, -94.62064
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic278 (2020)
Projected traffic490 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 161 over Prairie Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 161 over Prairie Branch 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does FM 161 over Prairie Branch carry?

About 278 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is FM 161 over Prairie Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns FM 161 over Prairie Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.