US Bridges

FM 437 over Little River

Fair

Milam County, Texas · 4.7 MI S of SH 36 · Structure no. 171660059007038

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
267 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,238
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 437 over Little River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 437 over Little River in Milam County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,238 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,832 by 2042. The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 437
CrossesLittle River
Location4.7 MI S of SH 36
RouteState Highway 437
CountyMilam County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.86923, -97.24815
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
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length267 ft (81.4 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,238 (2023)
Projected traffic1,832 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 437 over Little River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 437 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 437 over Little River carry?

About 1,238 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 437 over Little River?

The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 437 over Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.