US Bridges

FM 457 over Bucks Bayou

Fair

Matagorda County, Texas · 1.65 MI E of SH 35 · Structure no. 131580060501014

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,950
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 457 over Bucks Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 457 over Bucks Bayou in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 64 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 4,950 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,930 by 2042. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 457
CrossesBucks Bayou
Location1.65 MI E of SH 35
RouteState Highway 457
CountyMatagorda County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.98033, -95.91337
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,950 (2023)
Projected traffic6,930 by 2042
Trucks7%
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 457 over Bucks Bayou built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is FM 457 over Bucks Bayou 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does FM 457 over Bucks Bayou carry?

About 4,950 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 457 over Bucks Bayou?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns FM 457 over Bucks Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.