US Bridges

FM 1963 over Pond Creek

FairPosted for load

Falls County, Texas · 1.60 MI SW of US 77 · Structure no. 090740020904065

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
124 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1963 over Pond Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1963 over Pond Creek in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 750 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,040 by 2033. The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1963
CrossesPond Creek
Location1.60 MI SW of US 77
RouteState Highway 1963
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.06261, -97.0028
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length124 ft (37.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2020)
Projected traffic1,040 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$800,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1963 over Pond Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1963 over Pond Creek 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1963 over Pond Creek carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is FM 1963 over Pond Creek?

The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1963 over Pond Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.