US Bridges

FM 4 over Brazos River

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 6.7 MI N of SH 180 · Structure no. 021820073601004

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
880 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
261
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 4 over Brazos River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 4 over Brazos River in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 5 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 880 ft (268.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 4
CrossesBrazos River
Location6.7 MI N of SH 180
RouteState Highway 4
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.86369, -98.30225
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length880 ft (268.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 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 closed19.9 mi (32 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$574,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 4 over Brazos River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 4 over Brazos River 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 Brazos River carry?

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

How long is FM 4 over Brazos River?

The structure is 880 ft (268.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FM 4 over Brazos River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.