US Bridges

FM 272 over Nell Creek

Fair

Fannin County, Texas · 2.9 MI E of US 69 · Structure no. 010750076401006

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
452
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 272 over Nell Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 272 over Nell Creek in Fannin County, Texas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 452 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 633 by 2040. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 272
CrossesNell Creek
Location2.9 MI E of US 69
RouteState Highway 272
CountyFannin County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.37732, -96.19479
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic452 (2020)
Projected traffic633 by 2040
Trucks10%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 272 over Nell Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 272 over Nell 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does FM 272 over Nell Creek carry?

About 452 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 272 over Nell Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM 272 over Nell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.