US Bridges

FM 46 over Alligator Creek #3

Good

Falls County, Texas · 2.00 MI E of SH 6 · Structure no. 090740004913127

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
870
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 46 over Alligator Creek #3 is a concrete culvert carrying FM 46 over Alligator Creek #3 in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 870 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,550 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 46
CrossesAlligator Creek #3
Location2.00 MI E of SH 6
RouteState Highway 46
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.16871, -96.71094
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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic870 (2020)
Projected traffic1,550 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 46 over Alligator Creek #3 built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 46 over Alligator Creek #3 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does FM 46 over Alligator Creek #3 carry?

About 870 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 46 over Alligator Creek #3?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns FM 46 over Alligator Creek #3?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.