US Bridges

FM 979 over Hart Creek

Fair

Milam County, Texas · 3.5 MI N of FM 485 · Structure no. 171660121003007

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
254
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 979 over Hart Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 979 over Hart Creek in Milam County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 254 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 356 by 2042. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 979
CrossesHart Creek
Location3.5 MI N of FM 485
RouteState Highway 979
CountyMilam County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.95248, -96.8719
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic254 (2023)
Projected traffic356 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 979 over Hart Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 979 over Hart 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 979 over Hart Creek carry?

About 254 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM 979 over Hart Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns FM 979 over Hart Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.