US Bridges

FM 185 over Bluff Creek

Fair

Coryell County, Texas · 7.56 MI NW of US 84 · Structure no. 090500056702001

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
165
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 185 over Bluff Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 185 over Bluff Creek in Coryell County, Texas. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 165 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 150 by 2033. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 185
CrossesBluff Creek
Location7.56 MI NW of US 84
RouteState Highway 185
CountyCoryell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.5197, -97.57451
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic165 (2020)
Projected traffic150 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$800,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 185 over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 185 over Bluff 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 185 over Bluff Creek carry?

About 165 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is FM 185 over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM 185 over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.