US Bridges

FM 51 over Clear Creek Relief

Fair

Denton County, Texas · 5.30 MI NE of FM 455 · Structure no. 180610031202024

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
250 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
3,256
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 51 over Clear Creek Relief is a concrete slab carrying FM 51 over Clear Creek Relief in Denton County, Texas. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 3,256 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,714 by 2040. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 51
CrossesClear Creek Relief
Location5.30 MI NE of FM 455
RouteState Highway 51
CountyDenton County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.42429, -97.34474
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 15
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,256 (2023)
Projected traffic4,714 by 2040
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$15,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 51 over Clear Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 51 over Clear Creek Relief 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 51 over Clear Creek Relief carry?

About 3,256 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM 51 over Clear Creek Relief?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 51 over Clear Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.