US Bridges

FM 434 over Branch of Cow Bayou

Good

Falls County, Texas · 5.20 MI NE of SH 7 · Structure no. 090740107701008

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
305
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 434 over Branch of Cow Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying FM 434 over Branch of Cow Bayou 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 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 305 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 570 by 2033. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesFM 434
CrossesBranch of Cow Bayou
Location5.20 MI NE of SH 7
RouteState Highway 434
StateTexas
Coordinates31.34077, -97.04676
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic305 (2020)
Projected traffic570 by 2033
Trucks17%
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$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 434 over Branch of Cow Bayou built?

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

What condition is FM 434 over Branch of Cow Bayou 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does FM 434 over Branch of Cow Bayou carry?

About 305 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is FM 434 over Branch of Cow Bayou?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM 434 over Branch of Cow Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.