US Bridges

FM 521 over Colorado River

Fair

Matagorda County, Texas · 4.0 MI SW of SH 60 · Structure no. 131580084603014

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
2,360 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,865
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 521 over Colorado River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 521 over Colorado River in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 years old, younger 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 1,865 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,611 by 2042. The structure is 2,360 ft (719.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 521
CrossesColorado River
Location4.0 MI SW of SH 60
RouteState Highway 521
CountyMatagorda County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.78942, -95.99661
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3 (+17 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length2,360 ft (719.3 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,865 (2023)
Projected traffic2,611 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 521 over Colorado River built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 521 over Colorado River 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 over Colorado River carry?

About 1,865 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 521 over Colorado River?

The structure is 2,360 ft (719.3 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FM 521 over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.