US Bridges

FM 581 over Simms Creek

Fair

Lampasas County, Texas · 1.40 MI E of FM 1047 · Structure no. 231410086705017

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
312 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
161
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 581 over Simms Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 581 over Simms Creek in Lampasas County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 161 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 203 by 2038. The structure is 312 ft (95.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 581
CrossesSimms Creek
Location1.40 MI E of FM 1047
RouteState Highway 581
CountyLampasas County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.31017, -98.28059
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length312 ft (95.1 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic161 (2020)
Projected traffic203 by 2038
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 581 over Simms Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 581 over Simms 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does FM 581 over Simms Creek carry?

About 161 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM 581 over Simms Creek?

The structure is 312 ft (95.1 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 581 over Simms Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.