US Bridges

Watts LN over Little Brazos River

FairPosted for load

Robertson County, Texas · 1.85 MI E of FM 50 · Structure no. 171980AA0174001

Built
1990
35 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
176 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
158
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watts LN over Little Brazos River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Watts LN over Little Brazos River in Robertson County, Texas. It was built in 1990 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 35 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 158 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 158 by 2042. The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesWatts LN
CrossesLittle Brazos River
Location1.85 MI E of FM 50
RouteCounty Highway 215
CountyRobertson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.78555, -96.54851
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length176 ft (53.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic158 (2022)
Projected traffic158 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$8,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Watts LN over Little Brazos River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Watts LN over Little 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Watts LN over Little Brazos River carry?

About 158 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Watts LN over Little Brazos River?

The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Watts LN over Little Brazos River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.