US Bridges

FM 45 over Colorado River Relief

Fair

San Saba County, Texas · 2.7 MI N of FM 765 · Structure no. 232060048008025

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
210 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,231
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 45 over Colorado River Relief is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 45 over Colorado River Relief in San Saba County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 1,231 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,160 by 2033. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 45
CrossesColorado River Relief
Location2.7 MI N of FM 765
RouteState Highway 45
CountySan Saba County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.45534, -98.94284
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadOther
Structure length210 ft (64 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 traffic1,231 (2023)
Projected traffic1,160 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 Colorado River Relief built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 45 over Colorado River Relief 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 45 over Colorado River Relief carry?

About 1,231 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM 45 over Colorado River Relief?

The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 45 over Colorado River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.