US Bridges

FM 4 over Big Sunday Creek

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 0.35 MI S of FM 2201 · Structure no. 021820031406030

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
162 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,119
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 4 over Big Sunday Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 4 over Big Sunday Creek in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,119 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,140 by 2033. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 4
CrossesBig Sunday Creek
Location0.35 MI S of FM 2201
RouteState Highway 4
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.59969, -98.21229
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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 rating41 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,119 (2020)
Projected traffic1,140 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$81,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 4 over Big Sunday Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 4 over Big Sunday 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 4 over Big Sunday Creek carry?

About 1,119 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 4 over Big Sunday Creek?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 4 over Big Sunday Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.