US Bridges

FM 51 over Clear Creek

Fair

Denton County, Texas · 5.45 MI NE of FM 455 · Structure no. 180610031202033

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
320 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
3,256
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 51 over Clear Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 51 over Clear Creek in Denton County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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.

It carries about 3,256 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,140 by 2033. The structure is 320 ft (97.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 51
CrossesClear Creek
Location5.45 MI NE of FM 455
RouteState Highway 51
CountyDenton County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.42533, -97.3427
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 20
Structure length320 ft (97.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,256 (2023)
Projected traffic3,140 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 51 over Clear Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

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

About 3,256 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 51 over Clear Creek?

The structure is 320 ft (97.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FM 51 over Clear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.