US Bridges

FM 521 over Caney Creek

Fair

Matagorda County, Texas · 0.55 MI NE of FM 457 · Structure no. 131580084701016

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
152 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,990
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 521 over Caney Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 521 over Caney Creek in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 2,990 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,186 by 2041. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 521
CrossesCaney Creek
Location0.55 MI NE of FM 457
RouteState Highway 521
CountyMatagorda County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.94103, -95.7226
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 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 rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,990 (2021)
Projected traffic4,186 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$10,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 521 over Caney Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 521 over Caney 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does FM 521 over Caney Creek carry?

About 2,990 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 521 over Caney Creek?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FM 521 over Caney Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.