US Bridges

FM 221 over Gholson Creek

Fair

Hamilton County, Texas · 0.5 MI S of FM 2005 · Structure no. 090980093601002

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
66
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 221 over Gholson Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 221 over Gholson Creek in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 1953, 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 66 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 88 by 2039. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 221
CrossesGholson Creek
Location0.5 MI S of FM 2005
RouteState Highway 221
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.63163, -98.26412
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic66 (2023)
Projected traffic88 by 2039
Trucks32%
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$499,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 221 over Gholson Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 221 over Gholson 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 221 over Gholson Creek carry?

About 66 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is FM 221 over Gholson Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM 221 over Gholson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.