US Bridges

FM 563 over Turtle Bayou

Fair

Chambers County, Texas · 1.1 MI N of FM 2041 · Structure no. 200360102301011

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
273 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
6,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 563 over Turtle Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 563 over Turtle Bayou in Chambers County, Texas. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 6,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,370 by 2033. The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 563
CrossesTurtle Bayou
Location1.1 MI N of FM 2041
RouteState Highway 563
CountyChambers County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.82847, -94.66987
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 spans9
Design loadOther
Structure length273 ft (83.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,100 (2022)
Projected traffic7,370 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Turtle Bayou built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 563 over Turtle 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 563 over Turtle Bayou carry?

About 6,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FM 563 over Turtle Bayou?

The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM 563 over Turtle Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.