US Bridges

FM 488 over Tehuacana Creek

Fair

Freestone County, Texas · 1.0 MI S of FM 416 · Structure no. 170820045901002

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
400 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
1,640
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 488 over Tehuacana Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 488 over Tehuacana Creek in Freestone County, Texas. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 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 1,640 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,591 by 2042. The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 488
CrossesTehuacana Creek
Location1.0 MI S of FM 416
RouteState Highway 488
CountyFreestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.91703, -96.11097
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16
Design loadOther
Structure length400 ft (121.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,640 (2023)
Projected traffic2,591 by 2042
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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$26,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 488 over Tehuacana Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 488 over Tehuacana 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 488 over Tehuacana Creek carry?

About 1,640 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is FM 488 over Tehuacana Creek?

The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FM 488 over Tehuacana Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.