US Bridges

FM 531 over Waterhole Creek

Good

Lavaca County, Texas · 1.8 MI E of US 77 · Structure no. 131430126701002

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
411
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 531 over Waterhole Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying FM 531 over Waterhole Creek in Lavaca County, Texas. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 years old, younger 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 411 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 750 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 531
CrossesWaterhole Creek
Location1.8 MI E of US 77
RouteState Highway 531
CountyLavaca County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.28019, -96.94211
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic411 (2020)
Projected traffic750 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 531 over Waterhole Creek built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 531 over Waterhole 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 531 over Waterhole Creek carry?

About 411 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM 531 over Waterhole Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 531 over Waterhole Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.