US Bridges

FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam E Drain

Good

Jackson County, Texas · 0.6 MI SW of FM 1593 · Structure no. 131210175601003

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
165 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,733
2020 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam E Drain is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam E Drain 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,733 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,260 by 2033. The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesFM 3131
CrossesPalmetto Dam E Drain
Location0.6 MI SW of FM 1593
RouteState Highway 3131
StateTexas
Coordinates28.88787, -96.55091
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length165 ft (50.3 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 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 E Drain built?

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

What condition is FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam E Drain in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam E Drain carry?

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

How long is FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam E Drain?

The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns FM 3131 over Palmetto Dam E Drain?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.