US Bridges

FM 1985 over Oyster Bayou

Fair

Chambers County, Texas · 5.1 MI E of FM 565 · Structure no. 200360024206010

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
150 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
292
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1985 over Oyster Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1985 over Oyster Bayou in Chambers County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 292 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 480 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1985
CrossesOyster Bayou
Location5.1 MI E of FM 565
RouteState Highway 1985
CountyChambers County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.66257, -94.5336
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic292 (2022)
Projected traffic480 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 1985 over Oyster Bayou built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1985 over Oyster 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1985 over Oyster Bayou carry?

About 292 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FM 1985 over Oyster Bayou?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1985 over Oyster Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.