US Bridges

FM 3 over Swan Lake Draw

Poor

Leon County, Texas · 6.3 MI W of FM 39 · Structure no. 171450055201020

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
65 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,312
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 3 over Swan Lake Draw is a steel culvert carrying FM 3 over Swan Lake Draw in Leon County, Texas. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,312 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2031. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 3
CrossesSwan Lake Draw
Location6.3 MI W of FM 39
RouteState Highway 3
CountyLeon County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.03864, -96.20797
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,312 (2020)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2031
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 3 over Swan Lake Draw built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 3 over Swan Lake Draw in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 3 over Swan Lake Draw carry?

About 1,312 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 3 over Swan Lake Draw?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns FM 3 over Swan Lake Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.