US Bridges

FM 79 over Little Creek

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · 3.50 MI E of FM 2352 · Structure no. 011390068802021

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
624
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 79 over Little Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 79 over Little Creek in Lamar County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 5 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 624 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 903 by 2039. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 79
CrossesLittle Creek
Location3.50 MI E of FM 2352
RouteState Highway 79
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.75284, -95.73105
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating52 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic624 (2020)
Projected traffic903 by 2039
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$45,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 79 over Little Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 79 over Little 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 79 over Little Creek carry?

About 624 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 79 over Little Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 79 over Little Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.