US Bridges

FM 45 over Richland Creek

Good

San Saba County, Texas · 0.7 MI N of US 190 · Structure no. 232060048008023

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
150 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,061
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 45 over Richland Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 45 over Richland Creek in San Saba County, Texas. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 72 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 1,061 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,680 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 45
CrossesRichland Creek
Location0.7 MI N of US 190
RouteState Highway 45
CountySan Saba County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.27901, -98.94669
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,061 (2020)
Projected traffic1,680 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 45 over Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is FM 45 over Richland 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 45 over Richland Creek carry?

About 1,061 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 45 over Richland Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns FM 45 over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.