US Bridges

FM 227 over Big Elkhart Creek

Fair

Houston County, Texas · 4.2 MI W of FM 2544 · Structure no. 111140093701017

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
225 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
135
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 227 over Big Elkhart Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 227 over Big Elkhart Creek in Houston 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 5 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 135 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 190 by 2033. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 227
CrossesBig Elkhart Creek
Location4.2 MI W of FM 2544
RouteState Highway 227
CountyHouston County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.46434, -95.65952
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadOther
Structure length225 ft (68.6 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 traffic135 (2019)
Projected traffic190 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 227 over Big Elkhart Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 227 over Big Elkhart 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does FM 227 over Big Elkhart Creek carry?

About 135 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM 227 over Big Elkhart Creek?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 227 over Big Elkhart Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.