US Bridges

FM 1856 over Walnut Creek

Fair

Nolan County, Texas · 0.10 MI E of SH 70 · Structure no. 081770048801005

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
173
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1856 over Walnut Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1856 over Walnut Creek in Nolan County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 173 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 290 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1856
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location0.10 MI E of SH 70
RouteState Highway 1856
CountyNolan County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.40435, -100.38421
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic173 (2023)
Projected traffic290 by 2033
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$87,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1856 over Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1856 over Walnut 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1856 over Walnut Creek carry?

About 173 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is FM 1856 over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1856 over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.