US Bridges

FM 521 Service RD over Lawsons Slough

Fair

Matagorda County, Texas · 2.35 MI SW of FM 2668 · Structure no. 131580084603006

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
183 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,676
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 521 Service RD over Lawsons Slough is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 521 Service RD over Lawsons Slough in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 2,676 vehicles a day, projected to reach 150 by 2029. The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 521 Service RD
CrossesLawsons Slough
Location2.35 MI SW of FM 2668
RouteState Highway 521
CountyMatagorda County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.78781, -96.00015
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length183 ft (55.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,676 (2024)
Projected traffic150 by 2029
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 521 Service RD over Lawsons Slough built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 521 Service RD over Lawsons 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does FM 521 Service RD over Lawsons Slough carry?

About 2,676 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is FM 521 Service RD over Lawsons Slough?

The structure is 183 ft (55.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FM 521 Service RD over Lawsons Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.