US Bridges

FM 55 over Chambers Creek Slough

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 2.65 MI SE of SH 34 · Structure no. 180710145102007

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
62 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,198
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 55 over Chambers Creek Slough is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 55 over Chambers Creek Slough in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 1,198 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,680 by 2033. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 55
CrossesChambers Creek Slough
Location2.65 MI SE of SH 34
RouteState Highway 55
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.1734, -96.76801
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 inspectionDecember 2023
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 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 rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,198 (2023)
Projected traffic1,680 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 55 over Chambers Creek Slough built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 55 over Chambers Creek Slough 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 55 over Chambers Creek Slough carry?

About 1,198 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FM 55 over Chambers Creek Slough?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 55 over Chambers Creek Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.