US Bridges

FM 15 over Denton Creek

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 2.8 MI S of SH 64 · Structure no. 102120049101002

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
521
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 15 over Denton Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 15 over Denton Creek in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 521 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 840 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 15
CrossesDenton Creek
Location2.8 MI S of SH 64
RouteState Highway 15
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.17444, -95.02439
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic521 (2020)
Projected traffic840 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 15 over Denton Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 15 over Denton Creek 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 15 over Denton Creek carry?

About 521 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 15 over Denton Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FM 15 over Denton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.