US Bridges

FM 520 over Palo Duro Creek

Fair

Hansford County, Texas · 1.3 MI W of SH 136 · Structure no. 040990162101004

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
350 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
134
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 520 over Palo Duro Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 520 over Palo Duro Creek in Hansford 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 134 vehicles a day, roughly 75% of them trucks, projected to reach 130 by 2033. The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 520
CrossesPalo Duro Creek
Location1.3 MI W of SH 136
RouteState Highway 520
CountyHansford County
StateTexas
Coordinates36.1249, -101.46675
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior 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, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length350 ft (106.7 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic134 (2020)
Projected traffic130 by 2033
Trucks75%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 520 over Palo Duro Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 520 over Palo Duro 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does FM 520 over Palo Duro Creek carry?

About 134 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 75% are trucks.

How long is FM 520 over Palo Duro Creek?

The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 520 over Palo Duro Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.