US Bridges

FM 138 over Poor Joe Creek

Good

Shelby County, Texas · 2.30 MI E of FM 415 · Structure no. 112100074302014

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
312
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 138 over Poor Joe Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 138 over Poor Joe Creek in Shelby County, Texas. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 312 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 437 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesFM 138
CrossesPoor Joe Creek
Location2.30 MI E of FM 415
RouteState Highway 138
StateTexas
Coordinates31.76863, -94.37377
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
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic312 (2020)
Projected traffic437 by 2040
Trucks14%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 138 over Poor Joe Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 138 over Poor Joe 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 Poor Joe Creek carry?

About 312 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 138 over Poor Joe Creek?

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

Who owns FM 138 over Poor Joe Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.