US Bridges

FM 56 over Panther Creek

Good

Hood County, Texas · 3.0 MI S of US 377 · Structure no. 021120077702003

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
46 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,185
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 56 over Panther Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 56 over Panther Creek in Hood County, Texas. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,185 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,580 by 2038. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesFM 56
CrossesPanther Creek
Location3.0 MI S of US 377
RouteState Highway 56
StateTexas
Coordinates32.35116, -97.89531
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,185 (2020)
Projected traffic1,580 by 2038
Trucks11%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 56 over Panther Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 56 over Panther Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does FM 56 over Panther Creek carry?

About 1,185 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 56 over Panther Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns FM 56 over Panther Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.