US Bridges

FM 3231 over Martin Lake

Fair

Panola County, Texas · 4.60 MI S of SH 43 · Structure no. 191830042409028

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
181 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
273
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 3231 over Martin Lake is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 3231 over Martin Lake in Panola County, Texas. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 273 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 440 by 2033. The structure is 181 ft (55.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 3231
CrossesMartin Lake
Location4.60 MI S of SH 43
RouteState Highway 3231
CountyPanola County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.25618, -94.54554
Functional classRural Minor 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.
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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length181 ft (55.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic273 (2019)
Projected traffic440 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 3231 over Martin Lake built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 3231 over Martin Lake 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FM 3231 over Martin Lake carry?

About 273 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 3231 over Martin Lake?

The structure is 181 ft (55.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FM 3231 over Martin Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.