US Bridges

FM 138 over Bush Creek

Good

Shelby County, Texas · 2.75 MI W of US 96 · Structure no. 112100074302003

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
411
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 138 over Bush Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 138 over Bush Creek in Shelby County, Texas. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 411 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 575 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesFM 138
CrossesBush Creek
Location2.75 MI W of US 96
RouteState Highway 138
StateTexas
Coordinates31.79028, -94.23409
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic411 (2020)
Projected traffic575 by 2040
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 138 over Bush Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 138 over Bush 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FM 138 over Bush Creek carry?

About 411 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 138 over Bush Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FM 138 over Bush Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.