US Bridges

FM 503 over Panther Creek

Good

Coleman County, Texas · 1.6 MI N of FM 2134 · Structure no. 230420086901022

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
200 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
292
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 503 over Panther Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 503 over Panther Creek in Coleman County, Texas. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 63 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 292 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 420 by 2033. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.1 mi (79 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 503
CrossesPanther Creek
Location1.6 MI N of FM 2134
RouteState Highway 503
CountyColeman County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.62218, -99.56061
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic292 (2020)
Projected traffic420 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.1 mi (79 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 503 over Panther Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is FM 503 over Panther Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does FM 503 over Panther Creek carry?

About 292 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 503 over Panther Creek?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns FM 503 over Panther Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.