US Bridges

FM 218 over Cowhouse Creek

Fair

Hamilton County, Texas · 2.1 MI W of FM 1702 · Structure no. 090980012005026

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
90 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
205
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 218 over Cowhouse Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 218 over Cowhouse Creek in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 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 205 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 287 by 2042. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 218
CrossesCowhouse Creek
Location2.1 MI W of FM 1702
RouteState Highway 218
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.67542, -98.4415
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic205 (2023)
Projected traffic287 by 2042
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 218 over Cowhouse Creek built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 218 over Cowhouse 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does FM 218 over Cowhouse Creek carry?

About 205 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is FM 218 over Cowhouse Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FM 218 over Cowhouse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.