US Bridges

FM 821 over Beals Branch

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 6.5 MI S of IH 20 · Structure no. 081150115602004

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
185
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 821 over Beals Branch is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 821 over Beals Branch in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 70 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 185 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 821
CrossesBeals Branch
Location6.5 MI S of IH 20
RouteState Highway 821
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.21246, -101.21114
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic185 (2020)
Projected traffic300 by 2033
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 821 over Beals Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is FM 821 over Beals Branch 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 821 over Beals Branch carry?

About 185 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is FM 821 over Beals Branch?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FM 821 over Beals Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.