US Bridges

FM 824 over Wafer Creek

Poor

Fannin County, Texas · 2.35 MI S of SH 56 · Structure no. 010750115401001

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
424
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 824 over Wafer Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 824 over Wafer Creek in Fannin County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 85 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 424 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 650 by 2033. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 824
CrossesWafer Creek
Location2.35 MI S of SH 56
RouteState Highway 824
CountyFannin County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.55303, -95.89862
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic424 (2023)
Projected traffic650 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 824 over Wafer Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is FM 824 over Wafer Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does FM 824 over Wafer Creek carry?

About 424 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 824 over Wafer Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns FM 824 over Wafer Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.