US Bridges

FM 1526 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Hutchinson County, Texas · 2.5 MI E of SH 136 · Structure no. 041180055704009

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
46 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
32
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1526 over Cottonwood Creek is a steel arch - deck carrying FM 1526 over Cottonwood Creek in Hutchinson County, Texas. It was built in 1966, 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 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 32 vehicles a day, roughly 63% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2033. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1526
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location2.5 MI E of SH 136
RouteState Highway 1526
CountyHutchinson County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.83068, -101.40156
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckOther
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32 (2023)
Projected traffic110 by 2033
Trucks63%
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 1526 over Cottonwood Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 1526 over Cottonwood 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1526 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 32 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 63% are trucks.

How long is FM 1526 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1526 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.