US Bridges

FM 2978 over Bear Branch

Good

Montgomery County, Texas · 1.3 MI S of FM 1488 · Structure no. 121700305002002

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
23,400
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 2978 over Bear Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 2978 over Bear Branch in Montgomery County, Texas. It was built in 1977 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 48 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 23,400 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,790 by 2033. The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 2978
CrossesBear Branch
Location1.3 MI S of FM 1488
RouteState Highway 2978
CountyMontgomery County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.2059, -95.57839
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.6 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width92 ft (28 m)
Roadway width73 ft (22.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,400 (2020)
Projected traffic24,790 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 2978 over Bear Branch built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is FM 2978 over Bear Branch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 2978 over Bear Branch carry?

About 23,400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 2978 over Bear Branch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns FM 2978 over Bear Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.