US Bridges

FM 688 over Saulters Branch

Fair

Kaufman County, Texas · 1.0 MI SE of FM 740 · Structure no. 181300009511015

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
80 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,652
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 688 over Saulters Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying FM 688 over Saulters Branch in Kaufman County, Texas. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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.

It carries about 5,652 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,232 by 2042. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 688
CrossesSaulters Branch
Location1.0 MI SE of FM 740
RouteState Highway 688
CountyKaufman County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.74151, -96.45511
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,652 (2023)
Projected traffic6,232 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 688 over Saulters Branch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 688 over Saulters Branch 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does FM 688 over Saulters Branch carry?

About 5,652 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 688 over Saulters Branch?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FM 688 over Saulters Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.