US Bridges

FM 532 over Big Rocky Creek

Fair

Lavaca County, Texas · 2.08 MI E of US 77 · Structure no. 131430143901003

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
281 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
432
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 532 over Big Rocky Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 532 over Big Rocky Creek 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 432 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 605 by 2042. The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 532
CrossesBig Rocky Creek
Location2.08 MI E of US 77
RouteState Highway 532
CountyLavaca County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.56983, -96.88324
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 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 rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length281 ft (85.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic432 (2022)
Projected traffic605 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 532 over Big Rocky Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 532 over Big Rocky 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 532 over Big Rocky Creek carry?

About 432 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 532 over Big Rocky Creek?

The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 532 over Big Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.