US Bridges

FM 38 over Cottonwood Relief

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · 2.4 MI E of FM 2352 · Structure no. 011390043501016

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

About this bridge

FM 38 over Cottonwood Relief is a concrete culvert carrying FM 38 over Cottonwood 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 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 38
CrossesCottonwood Relief
Location2.4 MI E of FM 2352
RouteState Highway 38
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.70207, -95.76966
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 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
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$1,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 38 over Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood Relief carry?

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

How long is FM 38 over Cottonwood Relief?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns FM 38 over Cottonwood Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.