US Bridges

FM 46 over South Walnut Creek

Fair

Robertson County, Texas · 1.5 MI N of FM 979 · Structure no. 171980054001017

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
71 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
748
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 46 over South Walnut Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 46 over South Walnut Creek in Robertson County, Texas. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 104 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 748 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 987 by 2042. The structure is 71 ft (21.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 46
CrossesSouth Walnut Creek
Location1.5 MI N of FM 979
RouteState Highway 46
CountyRobertson County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.08083, -96.55515
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length71 ft (21.7 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic748 (2023)
Projected traffic987 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$404,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 46 over South Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is FM 46 over South Walnut Creek 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does FM 46 over South Walnut Creek carry?

About 748 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 46 over South Walnut Creek?

The structure is 71 ft (21.7 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 46 over South Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.