US Bridges

FM 1496 over Cow Creek

Fair

Comanche County, Texas · 0.30 MI S of SH 6 · Structure no. 230470103903002

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
100 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
372
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1496 over Cow Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 1496 over Cow Creek in Comanche County, Texas. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 75 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 372 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 790 by 2033. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1496
CrossesCow Creek
Location0.30 MI S of SH 6
RouteState Highway 1496
CountyComanche County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.09095, -98.45798
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic372 (2023)
Projected traffic790 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$53,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1496 over Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is FM 1496 over Cow 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1496 over Cow Creek carry?

About 372 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 1496 over Cow Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1496 over Cow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.