US Bridges

FM 1971 over Murvaul Lake

Fair

Panola County, Texas · 4.15 MI S of SH 315 · Structure no. 191830189401005

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
180 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
693
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1971 over Murvaul Lake is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1971 over Murvaul Lake in Panola County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 693 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,060 by 2033. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1971
CrossesMurvaul Lake
Location4.15 MI S of SH 315
RouteState Highway 1971
CountyPanola County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.03904, -94.48035
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 inspectionJune 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic693 (2020)
Projected traffic1,060 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 1971 over Murvaul Lake built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1971 over Murvaul 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 1971 over Murvaul Lake carry?

About 693 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FM 1971 over Murvaul Lake?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1971 over Murvaul Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.