US Bridges

FM 1277 over Matthews Creek

Good

San Augustine County, Texas · 4.60 MI SW of US 96 · Structure no. 112030059702003

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
578
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1277 over Matthews Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1277 over Matthews Creek in San Augustine County, Texas. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 74 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 578 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 809 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesFM 1277
CrossesMatthews Creek
Location4.60 MI SW of US 96
RouteState Highway 1277
StateTexas
Coordinates31.50109, -94.1899
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic578 (2020)
Projected traffic809 by 2040
Trucks6%
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 1277 over Matthews Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is FM 1277 over Matthews Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1277 over Matthews Creek carry?

About 578 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FM 1277 over Matthews Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1277 over Matthews Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.