US Bridges

FM 261 over Spade Draw

Fair

Dickens County, Texas · 1.10 MI S of Loop 21 · Structure no. 250630094901004

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
54 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
165
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 261 over Spade Draw is a concrete culvert carrying FM 261 over Spade Draw in Dickens County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 165 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 260 by 2033. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 261
CrossesSpade Draw
Location1.10 MI S of Loop 21
RouteState Highway 261
CountyDickens County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.46162, -100.86064
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic165 (2020)
Projected traffic260 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 261 over Spade Draw built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 261 over Spade Draw 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 261 over Spade Draw carry?

About 165 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 261 over Spade Draw?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns FM 261 over Spade Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.