US Bridges

FM 488 over Richland Creek

Good

Freestone County, Texas · 0.1 MI S of US 287 · Structure no. 170820045901009

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,575 ft
21 main spans
Daily traffic
2,007
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 488 over Richland Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 488 over Richland Creek in Freestone County, Texas. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,007 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,452 by 2042. The structure is 1,575 ft (480.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

CarriesFM 488
CrossesRichland Creek
Location0.1 MI S of US 287
RouteState Highway 488
StateTexas
Coordinates31.96741, -96.09199
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans21
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,575 ft (480.1 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,007 (2023)
Projected traffic3,452 by 2042
Trucks16%
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 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 488 over Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 488 over Richland Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does FM 488 over Richland Creek carry?

About 2,007 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM 488 over Richland Creek?

The structure is 1,575 ft (480.1 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 488 over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.