US Bridges

FM 1042 over Nueces River

Fair

Live Oak County, Texas · 0.7 MI S of FM 1545 · Structure no. 161490155301002

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
605 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
446
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1042 over Nueces River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1042 over Nueces River in Live Oak County, Texas. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 446 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,720 by 2033. The structure is 605 ft (184.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 1042
CrossesNueces River
Location0.7 MI S of FM 1545
RouteState Highway 1042
CountyLive Oak County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.42422, -98.28492
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length605 ft (184.4 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic446 (2024)
Projected traffic1,720 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1042 over Nueces River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1042 over Nueces River 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1042 over Nueces River carry?

About 446 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 1042 over Nueces River?

The structure is 605 ft (184.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1042 over Nueces River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.