US Bridges

FM 840 over Billy Ditch

Fair

Rusk County, Texas · 0.2 MI N of SH 315 · Structure no. 102010059202005

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
503
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 840 over Billy Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 840 over Billy Ditch in Rusk County, Texas. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 503 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 690 by 2033. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 840
CrossesBilly Ditch
Location0.2 MI N of SH 315
RouteState Highway 840
CountyRusk County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.02438, -94.6153
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic503 (2020)
Projected traffic690 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 840 over Billy Ditch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 840 over Billy Ditch 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FM 840 over Billy Ditch carry?

About 503 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 840 over Billy Ditch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns FM 840 over Billy Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.