US Bridges

FM 4 over IH 20

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 6.05 MI SW of US 281 · Structure no. 021820031403090

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
268 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,124
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 4 over IH 20 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 4 over IH 20 in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 1,124 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,140 by 2033. The structure is 268 ft (81.7 m) long and 35 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 4
CrossesIH 20
Location6.05 MI SW of US 281
RouteState Highway 4
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.56802, -98.1992
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length268 ft (81.7 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,124 (2024)
Projected traffic1,140 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 4 over IH 20 built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 4 over IH 20 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 4 over IH 20 carry?

About 1,124 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 4 over IH 20?

The structure is 268 ft (81.7 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns FM 4 over IH 20?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.