US Bridges

FM 500 over Spring Creek

Fair

San Saba County, Texas · 13.0 MI SE of FM 45 · Structure no. 232060023113041

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 500 over Spring Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 500 over Spring Creek in San Saba County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 95 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 90 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 500
CrossesSpring Creek
Location13.0 MI SE of FM 45
RouteState Highway 500
CountySan Saba County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.33121, -98.80124
Functional classRural Minor 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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2020)
Projected traffic90 by 2033
Trucks3%
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$1,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 500 over Spring Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is FM 500 over Spring 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does FM 500 over Spring Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is FM 500 over Spring Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 500 over Spring Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.