US Bridges

FM 85 over Burns Branch

Good

Ellis County, Texas · 3.0 MI W of FM 1182 · Structure no. 180710105001007

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,791
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 85 over Burns Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 85 over Burns Branch in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 76 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 1,791 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,240 by 2033. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesFM 85
CrossesBurns Branch
Location3.0 MI W of FM 1182
RouteState Highway 85
StateTexas
Coordinates32.31244, -96.51489
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,791 (2020)
Projected traffic2,240 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 85 over Burns Branch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is FM 85 over Burns Branch 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FM 85 over Burns Branch carry?

About 1,791 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 85 over Burns Branch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns FM 85 over Burns Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.