US Bridges

FM 1247 over Devils Bayou

Fair

Cherokee County, Texas · 0.35 MI NW of FM 1819 · Structure no. 100370138702001

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
170
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1247 over Devils Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1247 over Devils Bayou in Cherokee County, Texas. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 170 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2033. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1247
CrossesDevils Bayou
Location0.35 MI NW of FM 1819
RouteState Highway 1247
CountyCherokee County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.46943, -94.99272
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic170 (2020)
Projected traffic300 by 2033
Trucks5%
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 1247 over Devils Bayou built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1247 over Devils 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1247 over Devils Bayou carry?

About 170 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 1247 over Devils Bayou?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1247 over Devils Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.