US Bridges

FM 551 over Hackberry Creek

Fair

Rockwall County, Texas · 0.24 MI N of SH 276 · Structure no. 181990101601001

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,151
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 551 over Hackberry Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 551 over Hackberry Creek in Rockwall County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 76 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 5,151 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,480 by 2033. The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 551
CrossesHackberry Creek
Location0.24 MI N of SH 276
RouteState Highway 551
CountyRockwall County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.90574, -96.36957
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length36 ft (11.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.5 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,151 (2023)
Projected traffic3,480 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 551 over Hackberry Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is FM 551 over Hackberry 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 551 over Hackberry Creek carry?

About 5,151 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 551 over Hackberry Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns FM 551 over Hackberry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.