US Bridges

FM 838 over Bowles Crk TR

Fair

Rusk County, Texas · 1.1 MI E of Smith Cl · Structure no. 102010049207009

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
584
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 838 over Bowles Crk TR is a concrete culvert carrying FM 838 over Bowles Crk TR in Rusk County, Texas. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 584 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 818 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 838
CrossesBowles Crk TR
Location1.1 MI E of Smith Cl
RouteState Highway 838
CountyRusk County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.23222, -94.96884
Functional classRural Major 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic584 (2021)
Projected traffic818 by 2041
Trucks11%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$68,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 838 over Bowles Crk TR built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 838 over Bowles Crk TR 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FM 838 over Bowles Crk TR carry?

About 584 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 838 over Bowles Crk TR?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns FM 838 over Bowles Crk TR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.