US Bridges

FM 79 over Middle Creek

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · 3.30 MI E of FM 2352 · Structure no. 011390068802027

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
624
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 79 over Middle Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 79 over Middle Creek in Lamar County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 624 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 903 by 2039. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 79
CrossesMiddle Creek
Location3.30 MI E of FM 2352
RouteState Highway 79
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.75501, -95.73629
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 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$34,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 79 over Middle Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 79 over Middle 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 Middle Creek carry?

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

How long is FM 79 over Middle Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns FM 79 over Middle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.