US Bridges

FM 4 over Town Branch

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 0.1 MI N of US 180 · Structure no. 021820073601016

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
379
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 4 over Town Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 4 over Town Branch in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 80 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 379 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 350 by 2033. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 4
CrossesTown Branch
Location0.1 MI N of US 180
RouteState Highway 4
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.76902, -98.29549
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic379 (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 Town Branch built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is FM 4 over Town Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 4 over Town Branch carry?

About 379 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is FM 4 over Town Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns FM 4 over Town Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.