US Bridges

FM 1353 over Escondido Creek

FairPosted for load

Karnes County, Texas · 2.7 MI SW of US 181 · Structure no. 161290129403003

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
662
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1353 over Escondido Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying FM 1353 over Escondido Creek in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 100 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 662 vehicles a day, roughly 48% of them trucks, projected to reach 927 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1353
CrossesEscondido Creek
Location2.7 MI SW of US 181
RouteState Highway 1353
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.83926, -97.92486
Functional classRural Minor 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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating23 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic662 (2022)
Projected traffic927 by 2042
Trucks48%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$72,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1353 over Escondido Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is FM 1353 over Escondido 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 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1353 over Escondido Creek carry?

About 662 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 48% are trucks.

How long is FM 1353 over Escondido Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1353 over Escondido Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.