US Bridges

FM 51 over Paluxy River

Fair

Hood County, Texas · 0.8 MI NE of FM 205 W · Structure no. 021120078002001

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
311 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
609
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 51 over Paluxy River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 51 over Paluxy River in Hood County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 609 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 640 by 2038. The structure is 311 ft (94.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 51
CrossesPaluxy River
Location0.8 MI NE of FM 205 W
RouteState Highway 51
CountyHood County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.27486, -97.90406
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length311 ft (94.8 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic609 (2024)
Projected traffic640 by 2038
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$873,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 51 over Paluxy River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 51 over Paluxy 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 51 over Paluxy River carry?

About 609 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM 51 over Paluxy River?

The structure is 311 ft (94.8 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 51 over Paluxy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.