US Bridges

FM 38 over N Sulphur River

FairPosted for load

Delta County, Texas · 1.20 MI N of FM 128 · Structure no. 010600074903018

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
349 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
261
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 38 over N Sulphur River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 38 over N Sulphur River in Delta County, Texas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 261 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 320 by 2033. The structure is 349 ft (106.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 38
CrossesN Sulphur River
Location1.20 MI N of FM 128
RouteState Highway 38
CountyDelta County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.48643, -95.77421
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating33 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length349 ft (106.4 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic261 (2020)
Projected traffic320 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$633,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 38 over N Sulphur River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 38 over N Sulphur 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 38 over N Sulphur River carry?

About 261 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 38 over N Sulphur River?

The structure is 349 ft (106.4 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 38 over N Sulphur River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.