US Bridges

FM 686 over E Fork Cedar Bayou

Fair

Liberty County, Texas · 5.6 MI W of SH 321 · Structure no. 201460106701001

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,669
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 686 over E Fork Cedar Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying FM 686 over E Fork Cedar Bayou in Liberty County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 2,669 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,210 by 2033. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 686
CrossesE Fork Cedar Bayou
Location5.6 MI W of SH 321
RouteState Highway 686
CountyLiberty County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.08779, -94.99278
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,669 (2022)
Projected traffic2,210 by 2033
Trucks5%
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 686 over E Fork Cedar Bayou built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 686 over E Fork Cedar Bayou 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FM 686 over E Fork Cedar Bayou carry?

About 2,669 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 686 over E Fork Cedar Bayou?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 686 over E Fork Cedar Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.