US Bridges

FM 847 over Bell Branch

Fair

Erath County, Texas · 3.2 MI E of SH 6 · Structure no. 020730159702006

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
962
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 847 over Bell Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 847 over Bell Branch in Erath 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 962 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,424 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 847
CrossesBell Branch
Location3.2 MI E of SH 6
RouteState Highway 847
CountyErath County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.10989, -98.28784
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic962 (2022)
Projected traffic1,424 by 2042
Trucks10%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 847 over Bell Branch built?

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

What condition is FM 847 over Bell 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does FM 847 over Bell Branch carry?

About 962 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 847 over Bell Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM 847 over Bell Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.