US Bridges

FM 983 over Bear Creek Relief

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 2.3 MI SW of FM 664 · Structure no. 180710104801022

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
150 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,740
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 983 over Bear Creek Relief is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 983 over Bear Creek Relief 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 6,740 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,430 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 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
CrossesBear Creek Relief
Location2.3 MI SW of FM 664
RouteState Highway 983
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.51413, -96.69726
Functional classUrban 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length150 ft (45.7 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 traffic6,740 (2013)
Projected traffic9,430 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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$9,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 983 over Bear Creek Relief built?

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

What condition is FM 983 over Bear 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does FM 983 over Bear Creek Relief carry?

About 6,740 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 983 over Bear Creek Relief?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 983 over Bear Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.