US Bridges

FM 1798 over Welch Springs Branch

Fair

Rusk County, Texas · 3.6 MI E of FM 95 · Structure no. 102010166902002

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
352
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1798 over Welch Springs Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1798 over Welch Springs Branch in Rusk County, Texas. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 352 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 570 by 2033. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 1798
CrossesWelch Springs Branch
Location3.6 MI E of FM 95
RouteState Highway 1798
CountyRusk County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.03893, -94.65369
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic352 (2018)
Projected traffic570 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 1798 over Welch Springs Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1798 over Welch Springs Branch 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 1798 over Welch Springs Branch carry?

About 352 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is FM 1798 over Welch Springs Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1798 over Welch Springs Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.