US Bridges

FM 457 over Dead Slough

Fair

Matagorda County, Texas · 1.50 MI SE of FM 521 · Structure no. 131580060501012

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
102 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,798
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 457 over Dead Slough is a concrete slab carrying FM 457 over Dead Slough in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 1,798 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,517 by 2041. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 457
CrossesDead Slough
Location1.50 MI SE of FM 521
RouteState Highway 457
CountyMatagorda County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.92586, -95.70829
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,798 (2021)
Projected traffic2,517 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$8,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 457 over Dead Slough built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 457 over Dead Slough 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does FM 457 over Dead Slough carry?

About 1,798 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 457 over Dead Slough?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FM 457 over Dead Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.