US Bridges

FM 479 over West Dry Branch

Fair

Kerr County, Texas · 0.2 MI S of IH 10 · Structure no. 151330082902142

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
80 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
412
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 479 over West Dry Branch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 479 over West Dry Branch in Kerr County, Texas. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 412 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 980 by 2033. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 479
CrossesWest Dry Branch
Location0.2 MI S of IH 10
RouteState Highway 479
CountyKerr County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.18345, -99.31864
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic412 (2020)
Projected traffic980 by 2033
Trucks11%
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 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 479 over West Dry Branch built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 479 over West Dry 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does FM 479 over West Dry Branch carry?

About 412 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 479 over West Dry Branch?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 479 over West Dry Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.