US Bridges

FM 979 over Brazos River

Fair

Robertson County, Texas · 2.3 MI E of FM 2027 · Structure no. 171980121002009

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
470 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
363
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 979 over Brazos River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 979 over Brazos River in Robertson County, Texas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 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 363 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 508 by 2042. The structure is 470 ft (143.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 979
CrossesBrazos River
Location2.3 MI E of FM 2027
RouteState Highway 979
CountyRobertson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.97983, -96.75886
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length470 ft (143.3 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic363 (2023)
Projected traffic508 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 979 over Brazos River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 979 over Brazos 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does FM 979 over Brazos River carry?

About 363 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 979 over Brazos River?

The structure is 470 ft (143.3 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 979 over Brazos River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.