US Bridges

FM 530 over Grafe Branch

Fair

Lavaca County, Texas · 0.85 MI SE of FM 2616 · Structure no. 131430051504018

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,068
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 530 over Grafe Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 530 over Grafe Branch in Lavaca County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 1,068 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,550 by 2038. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 530
CrossesGrafe Branch
Location0.85 MI SE of FM 2616
RouteState Highway 530
CountyLavaca County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.42822, -96.90855
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,068 (2020)
Projected traffic1,550 by 2038
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 530 over Grafe Branch built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 530 over Grafe Branch 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 530 over Grafe Branch carry?

About 1,068 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 530 over Grafe Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FM 530 over Grafe Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.