US Bridges

FM 85 over Hobb Branch

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 0.8 MI W of FM 1182 · Structure no. 180710105001008

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,453
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 85 over Hobb Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 85 over Hobb 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 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 2,453 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,240 by 2033. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 85
CrossesHobb Branch
Location0.8 MI W of FM 1182
RouteState Highway 85
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.31367, -96.4779
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,453 (2023)
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 Hobb 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 Hobb 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does FM 85 over Hobb Branch carry?

About 2,453 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 85 over Hobb Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns FM 85 over Hobb Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.