US Bridges

FM 481 over Palo Blanco Creek

Good

Maverick County, Texas · 16.5 MI NE of US 57 · Structure no. 221590159003017

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
878
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 481 over Palo Blanco Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 481 over Palo Blanco Creek in Maverick County, Texas. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 481
CrossesPalo Blanco Creek
Location16.5 MI NE of US 57
RouteState Highway 481
CountyMaverick County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.01674, -100.16925
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 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 Palo Blanco Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 481 over Palo Blanco 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 Palo Blanco Creek carry?

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

How long is FM 481 over Palo Blanco Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns FM 481 over Palo Blanco Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.