US Bridges

FM 531 over N Fork Mustang Creek

Fair

Lavaca County, Texas · 1.85 MI NW of US 77A · Structure no. 131430026910029

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
161 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
292
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 531 over N Fork Mustang Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 531 over N Fork Mustang Creek in Lavaca County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 292 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 450 by 2033. The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 531
CrossesN Fork Mustang Creek
Location1.85 MI NW of US 77A
RouteState Highway 531
CountyLavaca County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.3794, -97.10464
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length161 ft (49.1 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic292 (2020)
Projected traffic450 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 531 over N Fork Mustang Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 531 over N Fork Mustang 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 531 over N Fork Mustang Creek carry?

About 292 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 531 over N Fork Mustang Creek?

The structure is 161 ft (49.1 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 531 over N Fork Mustang Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.