US Bridges

FM 1246 over Sand Branch

Fair

Limestone County, Texas · 5.90 MI SE of SH 14 · Structure no. 091470089803009

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
780
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1246 over Sand Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1246 over Sand Branch in Limestone County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 780 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,090 by 2038. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1246
CrossesSand Branch
Location5.90 MI SE of SH 14
RouteState Highway 1246
CountyLimestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.37883, -96.49147
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.
Culvert6 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic780 (2018)
Projected traffic1,090 by 2038
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 1246 over Sand Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1246 over Sand Branch 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 1246 over Sand Branch carry?

About 780 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FM 1246 over Sand Branch?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1246 over Sand Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.