US Bridges

FM 3278 over Trinity River

Fair

Polk County, Texas · 0.70 MI W of FM 1988 · Structure no. 111870319803001

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,375
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 3278 over Trinity River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 3278 over Trinity River in Polk County, Texas. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger 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 5 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 3,375 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,390 by 2033. The structure is 1,100 ft (335.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 3278
CrossesTrinity River
Location0.70 MI W of FM 1988
RouteState Highway 3278
CountyPolk County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.6273, -95.00288
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3 (+9 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,100 ft (335.3 m)
Longest span121 ft (36.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,375 (2022)
Projected traffic3,390 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 3278 over Trinity River built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 3278 over Trinity River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FM 3278 over Trinity River carry?

About 3,375 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 3278 over Trinity River?

The structure is 1,100 ft (335.3 m) long with a longest span of 121 ft (36.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FM 3278 over Trinity River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.