US Bridges

FM 309 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 3.5 MI SW of FM 934 · Structure no. 091100088802008

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
125 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
266
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 309 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 309 over Cottonwood Creek in Hill County, Texas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 266 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 221 by 2039. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 309
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location3.5 MI SW of FM 934
RouteState Highway 309
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.07033, -97.24671
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
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic266 (2020)
Projected traffic221 by 2039
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 309 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 309 over Cottonwood 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 309 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 266 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is FM 309 over Cottonwood 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 309 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.