US Bridges

FM 485 over Dry Branch

Good

Milam County, Texas · 4.50 MI E of US 77 · Structure no. 171660026201040

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
54 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,721
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 485 over Dry Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 485 over Dry Branch in Milam 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 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 3,721 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,209 by 2042. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

CarriesFM 485
CrossesDry Branch
Location4.50 MI E of US 77
RouteState Highway 485
StateTexas
Coordinates30.91001, -96.91064
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,721 (2023)
Projected traffic5,209 by 2042
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 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 485 over Dry Branch built?

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

What condition is FM 485 over Dry Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 485 over Dry Branch carry?

About 3,721 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is FM 485 over Dry Branch?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM 485 over Dry Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.