US Bridges

FM 81 over Chicken Creek

Good

Karnes County, Texas · 1.7 Mi. NW of FM 884 · Structure no. 161290069101011

Built
2019
6 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
508
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 81 over Chicken Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 81 over Chicken Creek in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 2019, so it is 6 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 508 vehicles a day, roughly 56% of them trucks, projected to reach 711 by 2042. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

CarriesFM 81
CrossesChicken Creek
Location1.7 Mi. NW of FM 884
RouteState Highway 81
StateTexas
Coordinates28.79393, -97.63754
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic508 (2022)
Projected traffic711 by 2042
Trucks56%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 81 over Chicken Creek built?

It was built in 2019, making it 6 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 81 over Chicken Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does FM 81 over Chicken Creek carry?

About 508 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 56% are trucks.

How long is FM 81 over Chicken Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FM 81 over Chicken Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.