US Bridges

FM 147 over Steele Creek

Fair

Limestone County, Texas · 4.00 MI SW of SH 14 · Structure no. 091470075206004

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
706
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 147 over Steele Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 147 over Steele Creek in Limestone County, Texas. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 77 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 5 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 706 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2038. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 147
CrossesSteele Creek
Location4.00 MI SW of SH 14
RouteState Highway 147
CountyLimestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.44853, -96.63246
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic706 (2023)
Projected traffic700 by 2038
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 147 over Steele Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is FM 147 over Steele 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 2024.

How much traffic does FM 147 over Steele Creek carry?

About 706 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM 147 over Steele Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns FM 147 over Steele Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.