US Bridges

FM 318 over Rocky Creek

Fair

Lavaca County, Texas · 2.50 MI SW of US 77 · Structure no. 131430169602005

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
395 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
462
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 318 over Rocky Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 318 over Rocky Creek in Lavaca County, Texas. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 462 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 840 by 2038. The structure is 395 ft (120.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 318
CrossesRocky Creek
Location2.50 MI SW of US 77
RouteState Highway 318
CountyLavaca County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.40742, -96.98365
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length395 ft (120.4 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic462 (2020)
Projected traffic840 by 2038
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 318 over Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 318 over 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 318 over Rocky Creek carry?

About 462 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 318 over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 395 ft (120.4 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 318 over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.