US Bridges

FM 136 over Copano Bay

Fair

Refugio County, Texas · 4.50 MI S of FM 1360 · Structure no. 161960073801016

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,408 ft
32 main spans
Daily traffic
4,472
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 136 over Copano Bay is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying FM 136 over Copano Bay in Refugio County, Texas. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 4,472 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,261 by 2042. The structure is 1,408 ft (429.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 136
CrossesCopano Bay
Location4.50 MI S of FM 1360
RouteState Highway 136
CountyRefugio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.07439, -97.22114
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans32
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,408 ft (429.2 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,472 (2022)
Projected traffic6,261 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.2 mi (76 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 136 over Copano Bay built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 136 over Copano Bay 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does FM 136 over Copano Bay carry?

About 4,472 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 136 over Copano Bay?

The structure is 1,408 ft (429.2 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FM 136 over Copano Bay?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.