US Bridges

FM 38 over North Sulphur River Rel

Good

Lamar County, Texas · At Lamar-Delta CO Line · Structure no. 011390074902024

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
262
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 38 over North Sulphur River Rel is a concrete culvert carrying FM 38 over North Sulphur River Rel in Lamar County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 76 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 262 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 383 by 2039. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

CarriesFM 38
CrossesNorth Sulphur River Rel
LocationAt Lamar-Delta CO Line
RouteState Highway 38
StateTexas
Coordinates33.49177, -95.775
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic262 (2020)
Projected traffic383 by 2039
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 38 over North Sulphur River Rel built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is FM 38 over North Sulphur River Rel in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 38 over North Sulphur River Rel carry?

About 262 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 38 over North Sulphur River Rel?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns FM 38 over North Sulphur River Rel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.