US Bridges

FM 481 over Salado Creek

Good

Maverick County, Texas · 7.25 MI NE of US 57 · Structure no. 221590159003003

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
878
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 481 over Salado Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 481 over Salado Creek in Maverick County, Texas. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 878 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,680 by 2033. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 481
CrossesSalado Creek
Location7.25 MI NE of US 57
RouteState Highway 481
CountyMaverick County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.91788, -100.27122
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic878 (2020)
Projected traffic1,680 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 481 over Salado Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 481 over Salado Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does FM 481 over Salado Creek carry?

About 878 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 481 over Salado Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 481 over Salado Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.