US Bridges

FM 1631 over Palo Alto Creek

Good

Gillespie County, Texas · 4.2 MI E of US 290 · Structure no. 140870153601010

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
150 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,345
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1631 over Palo Alto Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1631 over Palo Alto Creek in Gillespie 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 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 2,345 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,540 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1631
CrossesPalo Alto Creek
Location4.2 MI E of US 290
RouteState Highway 1631
CountyGillespie County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.28846, -98.79685
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,345 (2020)
Projected traffic2,540 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 1631 over Palo Alto Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 1631 over Palo Alto 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1631 over Palo Alto Creek carry?

About 2,345 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 1631 over Palo Alto Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1631 over Palo Alto Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.