US Bridges

FM 174 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Clay County, Texas · 5.8 MI E of SH 148 · Structure no. 030390013710039

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,320
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 174 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 174 over Buffalo Creek in Clay County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1956, so it is 91 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 1,320 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 920 by 2033. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 174
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location5.8 MI E of SH 148
RouteState Highway 174
CountyClay County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.55603, -98.10046
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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 loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,320 (2020)
Projected traffic920 by 2033
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 174 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is FM 174 over Buffalo 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FM 174 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1,320 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is FM 174 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns FM 174 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.