US Bridges

FM 147 over Big Sandy Creek

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 1.60 MI E of SH 6 · Structure no. 090740075205016

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
125 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,149
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 147 over Big Sandy Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 147 over Big Sandy Creek in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 1,149 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,340 by 2033. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 147
CrossesBig Sandy Creek
Location1.60 MI E of SH 6
RouteState Highway 147
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.33174, -96.85852
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,149 (2023)
Projected traffic1,340 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 147 over Big Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 147 over Big Sandy 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does FM 147 over Big Sandy Creek carry?

About 1,149 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 147 over Big Sandy Creek?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 147 over Big Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.