US Bridges

FM 363 over Big Cow Creek

Fair

Newton County, Texas · 3.75 MI E of SH 87 · Structure no. 201760062703005

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
150 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,421
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 363 over Big Cow Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 363 over Big Cow Creek in Newton 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 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 1,421 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,000 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 363
CrossesBig Cow Creek
Location3.75 MI E of SH 87
RouteState Highway 363
CountyNewton County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.71834, -93.76959
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,421 (2020)
Projected traffic2,000 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$8,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 363 over Big Cow Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 363 over Big Cow 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 363 over Big Cow Creek carry?

About 1,421 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is FM 363 over Big Cow Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM 363 over Big Cow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.