US Bridges

FM 629 over Chocolate Swale

Fair

Refugio County, Texas · 0.65 MI N of FM 1360 · Structure no. 161960099301003

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
106
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 629 over Chocolate Swale is a concrete slab carrying FM 629 over Chocolate Swale in Refugio County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 106 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 172 by 2042. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 629
CrossesChocolate Swale
Location0.65 MI N of FM 1360
RouteState Highway 629
CountyRefugio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.16338, -97.30101
Functional classRural Minor 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 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic106 (2023)
Projected traffic172 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 629 over Chocolate Swale built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 629 over Chocolate Swale 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 629 over Chocolate Swale carry?

About 106 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 629 over Chocolate Swale?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 629 over Chocolate Swale?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.