US Bridges

FM 51 over Pony Creek

Fair

Hood County, Texas · 1.3 MI N of FM 205 E · Structure no. 021120078002002

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
131 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
554
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 51 over Pony Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 51 over Pony Creek 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 554 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 520 by 2038. The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 51
CrossesPony Creek
Location1.3 MI N of FM 205 E
RouteState Highway 51
CountyHood County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.25788, -97.91032
Functional classRural Minor 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.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating42 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length131 ft (39.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic554 (2024)
Projected traffic520 by 2038
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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$8,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 51 over Pony Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 51 over Pony 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 51 over Pony Creek carry?

About 554 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 51 over Pony Creek?

The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 51 over Pony Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.