US Bridges

FM 4 over Palo Pinto Creek

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 1.65 MI N of FM 2201 · Structure no. 021820031406160

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
231 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,126
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 4 over Palo Pinto Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 4 over Palo Pinto Creek in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 1,126 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,020 by 2033. The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 4
CrossesPalo Pinto Creek
Location1.65 MI N of FM 2201
RouteState Highway 4
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.62329, -98.23191
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length231 ft (70.4 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,126 (2024)
Projected traffic1,020 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 4 over Palo Pinto Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 4 over Palo Pinto 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 Palo Pinto Creek carry?

About 1,126 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 4 over Palo Pinto Creek?

The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 4 over Palo Pinto Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.