US Bridges

FM 700 SB over Beals Creek

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 0.5 MI S of IH 20 · Structure no. 081150066802009

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
520 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
3,078
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 700 SB over Beals Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 700 SB over Beals Creek in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 3,078 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,205 by 2035. The structure is 520 ft (158.5 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 700 SB
CrossesBeals Creek
Location0.5 MI S of IH 20
RouteState Highway 700
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.25802, -101.43168
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13
Design loadH 20
Structure length520 ft (158.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,078 (2023)
Projected traffic5,205 by 2035
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 700 SB over Beals Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 700 SB over Beals 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM 700 SB over Beals Creek carry?

About 3,078 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 700 SB over Beals Creek?

The structure is 520 ft (158.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns FM 700 SB over Beals Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.