US Bridges

FM 998 over Rita Blanca Creek

Fair

Hartley County, Texas · 9.2 MI West JCT US 87 · Structure no. 041040162202001

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
125 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
276
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 998 over Rita Blanca Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 998 over Rita Blanca Creek in Hartley County, Texas. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 276 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 790 by 2033. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 998
CrossesRita Blanca Creek
Location9.2 MI West JCT US 87
RouteState Highway 998
CountyHartley County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.84696, -102.51334
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic276 (2020)
Projected traffic790 by 2033
Trucks43%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 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$203,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 998 over Rita Blanca Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 998 over Rita Blanca 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 998 over Rita Blanca Creek carry?

About 276 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is FM 998 over Rita Blanca Creek?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 998 over Rita Blanca Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.