US Bridges

FM 197 over Parson Creek

Good

Lamar County, Texas · 3.0 MI W of FM 1499 · Structure no. 011390076901005

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
215
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 197 over Parson Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 197 over Parson Creek in Lamar County, Texas. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 72 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 215 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2033. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 197
CrossesParson Creek
Location3.0 MI W of FM 1499
RouteState Highway 197
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.83723, -95.75057
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 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic215 (2020)
Projected traffic180 by 2033
Trucks7%
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 197 over Parson Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is FM 197 over Parson Creek 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 197 over Parson Creek carry?

About 215 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 197 over Parson Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FM 197 over Parson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.