US Bridges

FM 85 over Trinity River

Fair

Henderson County, Texas · 0.00 MI NE of Navarro C/L · Structure no. 101080071904005

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,241 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,817
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 85 over Trinity River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 85 over Trinity River in Henderson County, Texas. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 67 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 5 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 2,817 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,600 by 2033. The structure is 1,241 ft (378.3 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 85
CrossesTrinity River
Location0.00 MI NE of Navarro C/L
RouteState Highway 85
CountyHenderson County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.31663, -96.35931
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+30 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,241 ft (378.3 m)
Longest span156 ft (47.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,817 (2020)
Projected traffic3,600 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 85 over Trinity River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is FM 85 over Trinity River 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 85 over Trinity River carry?

About 2,817 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 85 over Trinity River?

The structure is 1,241 ft (378.3 m) long with a longest span of 156 ft (47.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns FM 85 over Trinity River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.