US Bridges

FM 218 over Branch of Bear Creek

Good

Hamilton County, Texas · 18.8 MI W of SH 36 · Structure no. 090980012005024

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
965
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 218 over Branch of Bear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 218 over Branch of Bear Creek in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 years old, older 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 965 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,351 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 218
CrossesBranch of Bear Creek
Location18.8 MI W of SH 36
RouteState Highway 218
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.7009, -98.16543
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic965 (2023)
Projected traffic1,351 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 218 over Branch of Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 218 over Branch of Bear 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does FM 218 over Branch of Bear Creek carry?

About 965 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 218 over Branch of Bear Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns FM 218 over Branch of Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.