US Bridges

FM 1963 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 1.10 MI SW of US 77 · Structure no. 090740020904071

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
607 ft
20 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1963 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1963 over Cottonwood Creek in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,040 by 2033. The structure is 607 ft (185 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1963
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location1.10 MI SW of US 77
RouteState Highway 1963
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.06513, -96.99653
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans20
Design loadHS 20
Structure length607 ft (185 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1963 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1963 over Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood Creek carry?

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

How long is FM 1963 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 607 ft (185 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1963 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.