US Bridges

FM 709 over Richland Creek

Fair

Navarro County, Texas · 0.50 MI SW of FM 2452 · Structure no. 181750016209074

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
450 ft
15 main spans
Daily traffic
1,292
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 709 over Richland Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 709 over Richland Creek in Navarro County, Texas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 1,292 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,170 by 2040. The structure is 450 ft (137.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 709
CrossesRichland Creek
Location0.50 MI SW of FM 2452
RouteState Highway 709
CountyNavarro County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.97129, -96.50572
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans15
Design loadH 15
Structure length450 ft (137.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,292 (2023)
Projected traffic1,170 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$643,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 709 over Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 709 over Richland 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does FM 709 over Richland Creek carry?

About 1,292 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 709 over Richland Creek?

The structure is 450 ft (137.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 709 over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.