US Bridges

FM 487 over San Gabriel River

Good

Milam County, Texas · 2.00 MI SE of FM 1600 · Structure no. 171660085801013

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
270 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
983
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 487 over San Gabriel River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 487 over San Gabriel River in Milam County, Texas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 983 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,376 by 2042. The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

CarriesFM 487
CrossesSan Gabriel River
Location2.00 MI SE of FM 1600
RouteState Highway 487
StateTexas
Coordinates30.72743, -97.03885
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length270 ft (82.3 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic983 (2023)
Projected traffic1,376 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 487 over San Gabriel River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 487 over San Gabriel River 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 487 over San Gabriel River carry?

About 983 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 487 over San Gabriel River?

The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 487 over San Gabriel River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.