US Bridges

FM 157 over Spring Branch

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 5.3 MI NW of FM 66 · Structure no. 180710074706025

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,974
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 157 over Spring Branch is a concrete slab carrying FM 157 over Spring Branch in Ellis 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 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 2,974 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,237 by 2042. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 157
CrossesSpring Branch
Location5.3 MI NW of FM 66
RouteState Highway 157
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.37218, -97.06048
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,974 (2023)
Projected traffic3,237 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 157 over Spring Branch built?

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

What condition is FM 157 over Spring Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does FM 157 over Spring Branch carry?

About 2,974 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FM 157 over Spring Branch?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 157 over Spring Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.