US Bridges

FM 729 over Alley Creek

Fair

Marion County, Texas · 2.80 MI W of FM 1969 · Structure no. 191550101803013

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
212 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,323
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 729 over Alley Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 729 over Alley Creek in Marion 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 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 1,323 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,530 by 2033. The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 729
CrossesAlley Creek
Location2.80 MI W of FM 1969
RouteState Highway 729
CountyMarion County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.80118, -94.58186
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadOther
Structure length212 ft (64.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,323 (2023)
Projected traffic1,530 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 729 over Alley Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 729 over Alley 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 729 over Alley Creek carry?

About 1,323 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 729 over Alley Creek?

The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 729 over Alley Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.