US Bridges

FM 550 over Buffalo Creek

Good

Rockwall County, Texas · 0.92 MI E of FM 549 · Structure no. 181990101403388

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,495
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 550 over Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying FM 550 over Buffalo Creek in Rockwall County, Texas. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,495 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,810 by 2037. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 550
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.92 MI E of FM 549
RouteState Highway 550
CountyRockwall County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.84011, -96.45447
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,495 (2020)
Projected traffic5,810 by 2037
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 550 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 550 over Buffalo Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 550 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 4,495 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FM 550 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FM 550 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.