US Bridges

FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam Spillway

FairPosted for load

Jackson County, Texas · 0.9 MI S of FM 1822 · Structure no. 131210175601002

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
468 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
1,733
2020 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam Spillway is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam Spillway in Jackson County, Texas. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,733 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,260 by 2033. The structure is 468 ft (142.6 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 3131
CrossesPalmetto Dam Spillway
Location0.9 MI S of FM 1822
RouteState Highway 3131
CountyJackson County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.88924, -96.58325
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12
Design loadHS 20
Structure length468 ft (142.6 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,733 (2020)
Projected traffic2,260 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State Agency
Maintained byOther State Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam Spillway built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam Spillway 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam Spillway carry?

About 1,733 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam Spillway?

The structure is 468 ft (142.6 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam Spillway?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.