US Bridges

FM 978 over Iron Creek

Fair

Madison County, Texas · 0.75 MI E of FM 39 · Structure no. 171540055202007

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
212
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 978 over Iron Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 978 over Iron Creek in Madison County, Texas. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 212 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 295 by 2039. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 978
CrossesIron Creek
Location0.75 MI E of FM 39
RouteState Highway 978
CountyMadison County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.98848, -96.0966
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic212 (2020)
Projected traffic295 by 2039
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 978 over Iron Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 978 over Iron 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FM 978 over Iron Creek carry?

About 212 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FM 978 over Iron Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 978 over Iron Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.