US Bridges

FM 983 over Cottonwood Creek

Good

Ellis County, Texas · 2.7 MI NE of FM 813 · Structure no. 180710104801021

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,572
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 983 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 983 over Cottonwood Creek 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,572 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,480 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 983
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location2.7 MI NE of FM 813
RouteState Highway 983
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.4956, -96.72707
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,572 (2023)
Projected traffic2,480 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$8,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 983 over Cottonwood Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 983 over Cottonwood Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does FM 983 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 3,572 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 983 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 983 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.