US Bridges

FM 1542 over Walnut Creek

Good

Parker County, Texas · 2.42 MI NE of SH 199 · Structure no. 021840146701005

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,310
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1542 over Walnut Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1542 over Walnut Creek in Parker County, Texas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,310 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,230 by 2033. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesFM 1542
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location2.42 MI NE of SH 199
RouteState Highway 1542
StateTexas
Coordinates32.94556, -97.58308
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation7: Better than 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,310 (2013)
Projected traffic3,230 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1542 over Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1542 over Walnut Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1542 over Walnut Creek carry?

About 2,310 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is FM 1542 over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1542 over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.