US Bridges

FM 518 over Cowart Creek

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 0.6 MI N of FM 528 · Structure no. 120850097603031

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
250 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
18,744
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 518 over Cowart Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 518 over Cowart Creek in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 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 18,744 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,380 by 2033. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 518
CrossesCowart Creek
Location0.6 MI N of FM 528
RouteState Highway 518
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.51803, -95.19033
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal 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 spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,744 (2020)
Projected traffic26,380 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 518 over Cowart Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 518 over Cowart 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does FM 518 over Cowart Creek carry?

About 18,744 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 518 over Cowart Creek?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns FM 518 over Cowart Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.