US Bridges

FM 1680 over Bear Branch

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 6.05 MI E of IH 10 · Structure no. 130900144203004

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
389
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1680 over Bear Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1680 over Bear Branch in Gonzales County, Texas. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2014, 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 389 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 610 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1680
CrossesBear Branch
Location6.05 MI E of IH 10
RouteState Highway 1680
CountyGonzales County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.61862, -97.21232
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic389 (2020)
Projected traffic610 by 2040
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 1680 over Bear Branch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is FM 1680 over Bear Branch 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1680 over Bear Branch carry?

About 389 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is FM 1680 over Bear Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1680 over Bear Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.