US Bridges

FM 197 over Sanders Creek

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · 2.20 MI W of US 271 · Structure no. 011390076901007

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
277 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
536
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 197 over Sanders Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 197 over Sanders Creek in Lamar County, Texas. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 69 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 536 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 680 by 2039. The structure is 277 ft (84.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 197
CrossesSanders Creek
Location2.20 MI W of US 271
RouteState Highway 197
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.87124, -95.54361
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length277 ft (84.4 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic536 (2020)
Projected traffic680 by 2039
Trucks13%
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 Sanders Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is FM 197 over Sanders 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 197 over Sanders Creek carry?

About 536 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 197 over Sanders Creek?

The structure is 277 ft (84.4 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FM 197 over Sanders Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.