US Bridges

FM 534 over Nueces River

Fair

Live Oak County, Texas · 1.9 MI W of IH 37 · Structure no. 161490180801001

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
432 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
896
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 534 over Nueces River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 534 over Nueces River in Live Oak County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 896 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,030 by 2033. The structure is 432 ft (131.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 534
CrossesNueces River
Location1.9 MI W of IH 37
RouteState Highway 534
CountyLive Oak County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.23689, -97.94697
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length432 ft (131.7 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic896 (2020)
Projected traffic1,030 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$991,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 534 over Nueces River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 534 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does FM 534 over Nueces River carry?

About 896 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is FM 534 over Nueces River?

The structure is 432 ft (131.7 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 534 over Nueces River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.