US Bridges

FM 147 over Branch of Big Creek

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 0.90 MI E of FM 1240 · Structure no. 090740075205024

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
678
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 147 over Branch of Big Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 147 over Branch of Big Creek in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 678 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 660 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 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 147
CrossesBranch of Big Creek
Location0.90 MI E of FM 1240
RouteState Highway 147
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.39173, -96.74967
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic678 (2020)
Projected traffic660 by 2033
Trucks17%
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$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 147 over Branch of Big Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 147 over Branch of Big 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 147 over Branch of Big Creek carry?

About 678 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is FM 147 over Branch of Big Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 147 over Branch of Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.