US Bridges

FM 486 over Alligator Creek

Fair

Milam County, Texas · 2.4 MI S of FM 487 · Structure no. 171660033705012

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,005
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 486 over Alligator Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 486 over Alligator Creek in Milam County, Texas. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 1,005 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,648 by 2042. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 486
CrossesAlligator Creek
Location2.4 MI S of FM 487
RouteState Highway 486
CountyMilam County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.71559, -97.14465
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,005 (2023)
Projected traffic1,648 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 486 over Alligator Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 486 over Alligator 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 486 over Alligator Creek carry?

About 1,005 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 486 over Alligator Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM 486 over Alligator Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.