US Bridges

FM 253 over Nichols Creek

Fair

Newton County, Texas · 1.15 MI E of SH 87 · Structure no. 201760094702013

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
425 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
399
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 253 over Nichols Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 253 over Nichols Creek in Newton County, Texas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 399 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 599 by 2042. The structure is 425 ft (129.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 253
CrossesNichols Creek
Location1.15 MI E of SH 87
RouteState Highway 253
CountyNewton County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.42284, -93.7846
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.
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 within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadH 15
Structure length425 ft (129.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic399 (2022)
Projected traffic599 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 253 over Nichols Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 253 over Nichols 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM 253 over Nichols Creek carry?

About 399 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 253 over Nichols Creek?

The structure is 425 ft (129.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 253 over Nichols Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.