US Bridges

FM 81 over Ecleto Creek

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 4.0 MI SE of SH 80 · Structure no. 161290069101016

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Other
Prestressed Concrete
Length
315 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,238
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 81 over Ecleto Creek is a prestressed concrete other carrying FM 81 over Ecleto Creek in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 years old, younger 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 1,238 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,006 by 2041. The structure is 315 ft (96 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 81
CrossesEcleto Creek
Location4.0 MI SE of SH 80
RouteState Highway 81
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.92014, -97.77269
Functional classUrban 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHL 93
Structure length315 ft (96 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,238 (2021)
Projected traffic2,006 by 2041
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 Ecleto Creek built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 81 over Ecleto 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM 81 over Ecleto Creek carry?

About 1,238 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is FM 81 over Ecleto Creek?

The structure is 315 ft (96 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FM 81 over Ecleto Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.