US Bridges

FM 1242 over Branch of Ash Creek

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 3.4 MI S of SH 171 · Structure no. 091100205902001

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
395
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1242 over Branch of Ash Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1242 over Branch of Ash 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 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 395 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 580 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 1242
CrossesBranch of Ash Creek
Location3.4 MI S of SH 171
RouteState Highway 1242
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.92469, -96.99929
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic395 (2020)
Projected traffic580 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1242 over Branch of Ash Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 1242 over Branch of Ash 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1242 over Branch of Ash Creek carry?

About 395 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 1242 over Branch of Ash Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM 1242 over Branch of Ash Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.