US Bridges

FM 241 over Bowles Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Texas · 0.80 MI SE of US 69 · Structure no. 100370112403004

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,047
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 241 over Bowles Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 241 over Bowles Creek in Cherokee County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 1,047 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,466 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 241
CrossesBowles Creek
Location0.80 MI SE of US 69
RouteState Highway 241
CountyCherokee County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.71573, -95.0879
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,047 (2021)
Projected traffic1,466 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 241 over Bowles Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 241 over Bowles Creek 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 241 over Bowles Creek carry?

About 1,047 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FM 241 over Bowles Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 241 over Bowles Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.