US Bridges

FM 563 over Lone Star Canal

Fair

Chambers County, Texas · 0.05 MI N of SH 61 · Structure no. 200360102301009

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,621
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 563 over Lone Star Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 563 over Lone Star Canal in Chambers 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 5,621 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,280 by 2033. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 563
CrossesLone Star Canal
Location0.05 MI N of SH 61
RouteState Highway 563
CountyChambers County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.77438, -94.67062
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width49 ft (15 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,621 (2020)
Projected traffic7,280 by 2033
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
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 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 563 over Lone Star Canal built?

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

What condition is FM 563 over Lone Star Canal 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 563 over Lone Star Canal carry?

About 5,621 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FM 563 over Lone Star Canal?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns FM 563 over Lone Star Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.