US Bridges

FM 2489 over Big Elm Creek

Fair

Limestone County, Texas · 0.80 MI SE of FM 339 · Structure no. 091470239401002

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
52
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 2489 over Big Elm Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 2489 over Big Elm Creek in Limestone County, Texas. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 52 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 150 by 2033. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 2489
CrossesBig Elm Creek
Location0.80 MI SE of FM 339
RouteState Highway 2489
CountyLimestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.47816, -96.70568
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic52 (2023)
Projected traffic150 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$900,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 2489 over Big Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 2489 over Big Elm 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does FM 2489 over Big Elm Creek carry?

About 52 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is FM 2489 over Big Elm Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 2489 over Big Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.