US Bridges

FM 744 over Strain Branch Creek

Fair

Navarro County, Texas · 0.70 MI E of FM 639 · Structure no. 181750099701008

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
247
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 744 over Strain Branch Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 744 over Strain Branch Creek in Navarro County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 247 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 280 by 2033. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 744
CrossesStrain Branch Creek
Location0.70 MI E of FM 639
RouteState Highway 744
CountyNavarro County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.99076, -96.7822
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic247 (2020)
Projected traffic280 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 744 over Strain Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 744 over Strain Branch 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does FM 744 over Strain Branch Creek carry?

About 247 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FM 744 over Strain Branch Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM 744 over Strain Branch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.