US Bridges

FM 126 over Elm Creek

Fair

Nolan County, Texas · 7.35 MI E of SH 153 · Structure no. 081770073304001

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
41 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
238
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 126 over Elm Creek is a masonry culvert carrying FM 126 over Elm Creek in Nolan County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 95 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 238 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 210 by 2033. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 126
CrossesElm Creek
Location7.35 MI E of SH 153
RouteState Highway 126
CountyNolan County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.28364, -100.18517
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span4 ft (1.2 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic238 (2020)
Projected traffic210 by 2033
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 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$120,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 126 over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is FM 126 over Elm 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 126 over Elm Creek carry?

About 238 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is FM 126 over Elm Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 4 ft (1.2 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns FM 126 over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.