US Bridges

FM 137 over Cottonwood Crk

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · 2.0 MI N of FM 1506 · Structure no. 011390074901032

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 137 over Cottonwood Crk is a concrete slab carrying FM 137 over Cottonwood Crk 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 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 860 by 2039. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 137
CrossesCottonwood Crk
Location2.0 MI N of FM 1506
RouteState Highway 137
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.61398, -95.59902
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2020)
Projected traffic860 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 137 over Cottonwood Crk built?

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

What condition is FM 137 over Cottonwood Crk 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 137 over Cottonwood Crk carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 137 over Cottonwood Crk?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 137 over Cottonwood Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.