US Bridges

FM 46 over Moores Branch

Fair

Robertson County, Texas · 6.5 MI S of US 79 · Structure no. 171980054002024

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,440
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 46 over Moores Branch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 46 over Moores Branch in Robertson County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 2,440 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,611 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

CarriesFM 46
CrossesMoores Branch
Location6.5 MI S of US 79
RouteState Highway 46
StateTexas
Coordinates30.95372, -96.42773
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.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,440 (2023)
Projected traffic3,611 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 46 over Moores Branch built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 46 over Moores Branch 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 Moores Branch carry?

About 2,440 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 46 over Moores Branch?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 46 over Moores Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.