US Bridges

FM 534 over Penitas Creek

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 2.9 MI N of SH 359 · Structure no. 161260180803006

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
150 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,663
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 534 over Penitas Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 534 over Penitas Creek in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 2,663 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,950 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 534
CrossesPenitas Creek
Location2.9 MI N of SH 359
RouteState Highway 534
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.02442, -97.94053
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,663 (2020)
Projected traffic2,950 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$9,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 534 over Penitas Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 534 over Penitas 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 534 over Penitas Creek carry?

About 2,663 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is FM 534 over Penitas Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 534 over Penitas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.