US Bridges

FM 549 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Rockwall County, Texas · 1.12 MI NE of FM 550 · Structure no. 181990109104007

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,930
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 549 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 549 over Buffalo Creek in Rockwall County, Texas. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 5,930 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,320 by 2037. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 549
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location1.12 MI NE of FM 550
RouteState Highway 549
CountyRockwall County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.85183, -96.45656
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,930 (2020)
Projected traffic8,320 by 2037
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$6,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 549 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 549 over Buffalo 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 549 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 5,930 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is FM 549 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 549 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.