US Bridges

FM 142 over California Creek

Fair

Jones County, Texas · 0.47 MI E of FM 600 · Structure no. 081280097202008

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
120
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 142 over California Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 142 over California Creek in Jones County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 5 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 190 by 2033. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 142
CrossesCalifornia Creek
Location0.47 MI E of FM 600
RouteState Highway 142
CountyJones County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.93085, -99.64291
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2023)
Projected traffic190 by 2033
Trucks18%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 142 over California Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 142 over California 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 142 over California Creek carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is FM 142 over California Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 142 over California Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.