US Bridges

Franklin Avenue over Brazos River

Fair

McLennan County, Texas · 0.25 MI NE of 3rd Street · Structure no. 091610B02071001

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
572 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
8,280
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Franklin Avenue over Brazos River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Franklin Avenue over Brazos River in McLennan County, Texas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 8,280 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,440 by 2036. The structure is 572 ft (174.3 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesFranklin Avenue
CrossesBrazos River
Location0.25 MI NE of 3rd Street
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMcLennan County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.56053, -97.12564
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length572 ft (174.3 m)
Longest span124 ft (37.8 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,280 (2023)
Projected traffic7,440 by 2036
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Franklin Avenue over Brazos River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Franklin Avenue over Brazos 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Franklin Avenue over Brazos River carry?

About 8,280 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Franklin Avenue over Brazos River?

The structure is 572 ft (174.3 m) long with a longest span of 124 ft (37.8 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns Franklin Avenue over Brazos River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.