US Bridges

FM 109 over Piper Creek

Fair

Colorado County, Texas · 0.20 MI S of FM 1291 · Structure no. 130450071602018

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
121 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,715
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 109 over Piper Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 109 over Piper Creek in Colorado County, Texas. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 66 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 1,715 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,063 by 2041. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 109
CrossesPiper Creek
Location0.20 MI S of FM 1291
RouteState Highway 109
CountyColorado County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.86838, -96.54702
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,715 (2024)
Projected traffic2,063 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 109 over Piper Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is FM 109 over Piper 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 109 over Piper Creek carry?

About 1,715 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM 109 over Piper Creek?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FM 109 over Piper Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.