US Bridges

FM 126 over Noodle Creek

Fair

Jones County, Texas · 1.45 MI N of FM 1812 · Structure no. 081280073302017

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
232
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 126 over Noodle Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 126 over Noodle Creek in Jones County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 232 vehicles a day, roughly 37% of them trucks, projected to reach 370 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 126
CrossesNoodle Creek
Location1.45 MI N of FM 1812
RouteState Highway 126
CountyJones County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.6216, -100.05769
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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic232 (2020)
Projected traffic370 by 2033
Trucks37%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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$68,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 126 over Noodle Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 126 over Noodle 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FM 126 over Noodle Creek carry?

About 232 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 37% are trucks.

How long is FM 126 over Noodle Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 126 over Noodle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.