US Bridges

FM 4 over Elm Creek

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 9.9 MI N of US 180 · Structure no. 021820073601003

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
261
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 4 over Elm Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 4 over Elm Creek in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 261 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 350 by 2033. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 4
CrossesElm Creek
Location9.9 MI N of US 180
RouteState Highway 4
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.90827, -98.29622
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum 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 typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic261 (2020)
Projected traffic350 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 4 over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 4 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 4 over Elm Creek carry?

About 261 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is FM 4 over Elm Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 4 over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.