US Bridges

FM 1554 over Acero Creek

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 4.1 MI S of SH 359 · Structure no. 161260148501002

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
285
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1554 over Acero Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1554 over Acero Creek in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 285 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 560 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1554
CrossesAcero Creek
Location4.1 MI S of SH 359
RouteState Highway 1554
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.69036, -98.12248
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic285 (2020)
Projected traffic560 by 2033
Trucks23%
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$15,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1554 over Acero Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1554 over Acero 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1554 over Acero Creek carry?

About 285 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is FM 1554 over Acero Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1554 over Acero Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.