US Bridges

FM 2297 over Birch Creek

Fair

Hopkins County, Texas · 6.90 MI S of IH 30 · Structure no. 011130227501001

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
100 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,002
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 2297 over Birch Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 2297 over Birch Creek in Hopkins County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 1,002 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 950 by 2033. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 2297
CrossesBirch Creek
Location6.90 MI S of IH 30
RouteState Highway 2297
CountyHopkins County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.02545, -95.63889
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.
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 evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length100 ft (30.5 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 traffic1,002 (2023)
Projected traffic950 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 2297 over Birch Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 2297 over Birch 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 2297 over Birch Creek carry?

About 1,002 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 2297 over Birch Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 2297 over Birch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.