US Bridges

FM 51 over Patton Branch

Fair

Parker County, Texas · 6.5 MI N of FM 920 · Structure no. 021840031302006

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,110
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 51 over Patton Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 51 over Patton Branch in Parker County, Texas. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 78 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 11,110 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,950 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 51
CrossesPatton Branch
Location6.5 MI N of FM 920
RouteState Highway 51
CountyParker County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.85953, -97.75062
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,110 (2023)
Projected traffic15,950 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 51 over Patton Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is FM 51 over Patton 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 51 over Patton Branch carry?

About 11,110 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 51 over Patton Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns FM 51 over Patton Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.