US Bridges

FM 81 over Panna Maria Creek

Good

Karnes County, Texas · 1.3 MI E of SH 123 · Structure no. 161290112302003

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
424
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 81 over Panna Maria Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 81 over Panna Maria Creek in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 74 years old, older 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 424 vehicles a day, roughly 62% of them trucks, projected to reach 594 by 2042. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesFM 81
CrossesPanna Maria Creek
Location1.3 MI E of SH 123
RouteState Highway 81
StateTexas
Coordinates28.96165, -97.89042
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic424 (2022)
Projected traffic594 by 2042
Trucks62%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 81 over Panna Maria Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is FM 81 over Panna Maria 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FM 81 over Panna Maria Creek carry?

About 424 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 62% are trucks.

How long is FM 81 over Panna Maria Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns FM 81 over Panna Maria Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.