US Bridges

FM 279 over Neches River

Fair

Smith County, Texas · At Van Zandt CO Line · Structure no. 102120024509008

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
627 ft
22 main spans
Daily traffic
2,535
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 279 over Neches River is a concrete tee beam carrying FM 279 over Neches River in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 2,535 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,076 by 2041. The structure is 627 ft (191.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 279
CrossesNeches River
LocationAt Van Zandt CO Line
RouteState Highway 279
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.36468, -95.4535
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans22
Design loadUnknown
Structure length627 ft (191.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,535 (2023)
Projected traffic3,076 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$757,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 279 over Neches River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 279 over Neches River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 279 over Neches River carry?

About 2,535 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 279 over Neches River?

The structure is 627 ft (191.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FM 279 over Neches River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.