US Bridges

FM 486 over Little River

Fair

Milam County, Texas · 3.3 MI NE of FM 487 · Structure no. 171660033705035

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
196 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,111
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 486 over Little River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 486 over Little River in Milam County, Texas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 1,111 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,911 by 2042. The structure is 196 ft (59.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 486
CrossesLittle River
Location3.3 MI NE of FM 487
RouteState Highway 486
CountyMilam County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.79229, -97.11377
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length196 ft (59.7 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,111 (2023)
Projected traffic1,911 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$10,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 486 over Little River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 486 over Little River 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 Little River carry?

About 1,111 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 486 over Little River?

The structure is 196 ft (59.7 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns FM 486 over Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.