US Bridges

FM 85 over Trinity River Relief

Fair

Henderson County, Texas · 0.40 MI NE of Navarro C/L · Structure no. 101080071904006

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
1,062 ft
35 main spans
Daily traffic
2,942
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 85 over Trinity River Relief is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 85 over Trinity River Relief in Henderson County, Texas. It was built in 1958, 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 2,942 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,940 by 2033. The structure is 1,062 ft (323.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 85
CrossesTrinity River Relief
Location0.40 MI NE of Navarro C/L
RouteState Highway 85
CountyHenderson County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.322, -96.35431
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans35
Design loadOther
Structure length1,062 ft (323.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,942 (2020)
Projected traffic2,940 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$69,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 85 over Trinity River Relief built?

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

What condition is FM 85 over Trinity River Relief 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 Relief carry?

About 2,942 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 85 over Trinity River Relief?

The structure is 1,062 ft (323.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FM 85 over Trinity River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.