US Bridges

FM 221 over Cowhouse Creek

Fair

Hamilton County, Texas · 0.2 MI S of FM 218 · Structure no. 090980093601004

Built
2012
13 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
175 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
122
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 221 over Cowhouse Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 221 over Cowhouse Creek in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 2012, so it is 13 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 122 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2039. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 221
CrossesCowhouse Creek
Location0.2 MI S of FM 218
RouteState Highway 221
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.67079, -98.32581
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than 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 spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic122 (2023)
Projected traffic110 by 2039
Trucks43%
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 221 over Cowhouse Creek built?

It was built in 2012, making it 13 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 221 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 221 over Cowhouse Creek carry?

About 122 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is FM 221 over Cowhouse Creek?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 221 over Cowhouse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.