US Bridges

FM 38 over Rowdy Creek Relief

Good

Lamar County, Texas · 1.8 MI SW of FM 137 · Structure no. 011390074902033

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
262
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 38 over Rowdy Creek Relief is a concrete culvert carrying FM 38 over Rowdy Creek Relief in Lamar County, Texas. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 320 by 2033. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 38
CrossesRowdy Creek Relief
Location1.8 MI SW of FM 137
RouteState Highway 38
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.51916, -95.74672
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic262 (2020)
Projected traffic320 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 38 over Rowdy Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 38 over Rowdy Creek Relief 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 Rowdy Creek Relief carry?

About 262 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 38 over Rowdy Creek Relief?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 38 over Rowdy Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.