US Bridges

FM 609 over Buckners Creek

Fair

Fayette County, Texas · 3.15 MI SW of Bu 71E · Structure no. 130760026703020

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
360 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,617
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 609 over Buckners Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 609 over Buckners Creek in Fayette County, Texas. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 72 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 3,617 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,640 by 2040. The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 609
CrossesBuckners Creek
Location3.15 MI SW of Bu 71E
RouteState Highway 609
CountyFayette County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.86599, -96.93301
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+8 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length360 ft (109.7 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,617 (2020)
Projected traffic5,640 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 609 over Buckners Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is FM 609 over Buckners 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 609 over Buckners Creek carry?

About 3,617 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 609 over Buckners Creek?

The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FM 609 over Buckners Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.