US Bridges

FM 1550 over Merrill Creek

Fair

Fannin County, Texas · 0.9 MI E of SH 34 · Structure no. 010750148202013

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
480 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
237
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1550 over Merrill Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1550 over Merrill Creek in Fannin County, Texas. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 5 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 237 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 431 by 2042. The structure is 480 ft (146.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1550
CrossesMerrill Creek
Location0.9 MI E of SH 34
RouteState Highway 1550
CountyFannin County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.48144, -95.92631
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length480 ft (146.3 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic237 (2023)
Projected traffic431 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 1550 over Merrill Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1550 over Merrill 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 1550 over Merrill Creek carry?

About 237 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 1550 over Merrill Creek?

The structure is 480 ft (146.3 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1550 over Merrill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.