US Bridges

FM 500 over Cottonwood Creek

Good

San Saba County, Texas · 8.3 MI E of FM 45 · Structure no. 232060023113055

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 500 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 500 over Cottonwood Creek in San Saba County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 90 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 500
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location8.3 MI E of FM 45
RouteState Highway 500
CountySan Saba County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.38752, -98.83153
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 500 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 500 over Cottonwood 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does FM 500 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

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

How long is FM 500 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 500 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.