US Bridges

FM 79 over Little Pine Creek

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · 0.7 MI S of FM 1500 · Structure no. 011390068802023

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,180
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 79 over Little Pine Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 79 over Little Pine Creek in Lamar County, Texas. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1971, 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 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 2,180 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,879 by 2039. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 79
CrossesLittle Pine Creek
Location0.7 MI S of FM 1500
RouteState Highway 79
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.71489, -95.63112
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,180 (2020)
Projected traffic2,879 by 2039
Trucks14%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 79 over Little Pine Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is FM 79 over Little Pine 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 Pine Creek carry?

About 2,180 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 79 over Little Pine Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns FM 79 over Little Pine Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.