US Bridges

FM 1278 over North Wichita River

Fair

Cottle County, Texas · 2.29 MI S of FM 1038 · Structure no. 250510204901001

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
225 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1278 over North Wichita River is a concrete slab carrying FM 1278 over North Wichita River in Cottle County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 30 by 2033. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 25 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1278
CrossesNorth Wichita River
Location2.29 MI S of FM 1038
RouteState Highway 1278
CountyCottle County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.89905, -100.21846
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 inspectionFebruary 2023
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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadOther
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2020)
Projected traffic30 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$135,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1278 over North Wichita River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1278 over North Wichita River 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1278 over North Wichita River carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 1278 over North Wichita River?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1278 over North Wichita River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.