US Bridges

FM 39 over Big Creek

Fair

Limestone County, Texas · 0.45 MI SE of SH 164 · Structure no. 091470064302039

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
496 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,376
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 39 over Big Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying FM 39 over Big Creek in Limestone County, Texas. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 1,376 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,900 by 2038. The structure is 496 ft (151.2 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 39
CrossesBig Creek
Location0.45 MI SE of SH 164
RouteState Highway 39
CountyLimestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.50218, -96.32497
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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, precast panels
Main spans6 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length496 ft (151.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,376 (2020)
Projected traffic2,900 by 2038
Trucks14%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 39 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 39 over Big 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does FM 39 over Big Creek carry?

About 1,376 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 39 over Big Creek?

The structure is 496 ft (151.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns FM 39 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.