US Bridges

FM 434 over Cow Bayou

Fair

Falls County, Texas · 3.37 MI NE of SH 7 · Structure no. 090740107701021

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
225 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
305
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 434 over Cow Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 434 over Cow Bayou in Falls County, Texas. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 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 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 305 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 570 by 2033. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 434
CrossesCow Bayou
Location3.37 MI NE of SH 7
RouteState Highway 434
CountyFalls County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.32267, -97.06036
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 434 over Cow Bayou built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 434 over Cow Bayou 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does FM 434 over Cow Bayou carry?

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

How long is FM 434 over Cow Bayou?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 434 over Cow Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.