US Bridges

Franzen RD over Spindletop Bayou

FairPosted for load

Chambers County, Texas · 1.70 MI W of FM 1406 · Structure no. 200360AA0250001

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
76 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
20
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Franzen RD over Spindletop Bayou is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Franzen RD over Spindletop Bayou in Chambers County, Texas. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2035. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesFranzen RD
CrossesSpindletop Bayou
Location1.70 MI W of FM 1406
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyChambers County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.82024, -94.42535
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2015)
Projected traffic60 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$99,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Franzen RD over Spindletop Bayou built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Franzen RD over Spindletop 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Franzen RD over Spindletop Bayou carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Franzen RD over Spindletop Bayou?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Franzen RD over Spindletop Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.