US Bridges

FM 700 over Sandy Creek & UPRR

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 0.4 MI NW of IH 20 · Structure no. 081150066803005

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
398 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,088
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 700 over Sandy Creek & UPRR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 700 over Sandy Creek & UPRR in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 59 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 2,088 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,070 by 2033. The structure is 398 ft (121.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 700
CrossesSandy Creek & UPRR
Location0.4 MI NW of IH 20
RouteState Highway 700
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.26713, -101.43719
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length398 ft (121.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,088 (2023)
Projected traffic3,070 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$494,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 700 over Sandy Creek & UPRR built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is FM 700 over Sandy Creek & UPRR 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 over Sandy Creek & UPRR carry?

About 2,088 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is FM 700 over Sandy Creek & UPRR?

The structure is 398 ft (121.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns FM 700 over Sandy Creek & UPRR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.