US Bridges

FM 38 over Sanders Creek Relief

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · 0.7 MI E of FM 2352 · Structure no. 011390043501015

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,325
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 38 over Sanders Creek Relief is a concrete culvert carrying FM 38 over Sanders Creek Relief in Lamar County, Texas. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 2022, 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 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 2,325 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,740 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 38
CrossesSanders Creek Relief
Location0.7 MI E of FM 2352
RouteState Highway 38
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.7105, -95.79233
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,325 (2020)
Projected traffic1,740 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 38 over Sanders Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is FM 38 over Sanders Creek Relief 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 38 over Sanders Creek Relief carry?

About 2,325 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 38 over Sanders Creek Relief?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FM 38 over Sanders Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.