US Bridges

FM 45 over Colorado River

Fair

Mills County, Texas · 0.00 MI N of San Saba Cl · Structure no. 231670048007024

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
881 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
984
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 45 over Colorado River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 45 over Colorado River in Mills County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 5 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 984 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,034 by 2038. The structure is 881 ft (268.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 45
CrossesColorado River
Location0.00 MI N of San Saba Cl
RouteState Highway 45
CountyMills County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.45876, -98.94279
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+11 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length881 ft (268.5 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic984 (2020)
Projected traffic1,034 by 2038
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 45 over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 45 over Colorado 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM 45 over Colorado River carry?

About 984 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is FM 45 over Colorado River?

The structure is 881 ft (268.5 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 45 over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.