US Bridges

FM 70 over Javelin Creek

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 3.40 MI E of SH 359 · Structure no. 161260108801001

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
570
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 70 over Javelin Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 70 over Javelin Creek in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 77 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 570 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 580 by 2033. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 70
CrossesJavelin Creek
Location3.40 MI E of SH 359
RouteState Highway 70
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.99092, -97.83812
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic570 (2020)
Projected traffic580 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$1,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 70 over Javelin Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is FM 70 over Javelin 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FM 70 over Javelin Creek carry?

About 570 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 70 over Javelin Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FM 70 over Javelin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.