US Bridges

FM 521 over Live Oak Bayou

Fair

Matagorda County, Texas · 0.60 MI NE of FM 2540 · Structure no. 131580084705012

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
210 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,574
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 521 over Live Oak Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 521 over Live Oak Bayou in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 1,574 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,722 by 2041. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 521
CrossesLive Oak Bayou
Location0.60 MI NE of FM 2540
RouteState Highway 521
CountyMatagorda County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.88973, -95.78556
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 rating65 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadOther
Structure length210 ft (64 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,574 (2024)
Projected traffic1,722 by 2041
Trucks12%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 521 over Live Oak Bayou built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 521 over Live Oak 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does FM 521 over Live Oak Bayou carry?

About 1,574 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 521 over Live Oak Bayou?

The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 521 over Live Oak Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.