US Bridges

FM 185 over Tonk Creek

Fair

McLennan County, Texas · 0.8 MI E of SH 317 · Structure no. 091610196901001

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
196 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,021
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 185 over Tonk Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 185 over Tonk Creek in McLennan 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 2,021 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,450 by 2037. The structure is 196 ft (59.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 185
CrossesTonk Creek
Location0.8 MI E of SH 317
RouteState Highway 185
CountyMcLennan County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.53538, -97.42968
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length196 ft (59.7 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,021 (2022)
Projected traffic3,450 by 2037
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$1.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 185 over Tonk Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 185 over Tonk 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 185 over Tonk Creek carry?

About 2,021 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 185 over Tonk Creek?

The structure is 196 ft (59.7 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FM 185 over Tonk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.