US Bridges

FM 344 over Briar Branch

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 0.5 MI E of FM 756 · Structure no. 102120092701003

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,406
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 344 over Briar Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 344 over Briar Branch in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 2,406 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,935 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 344
CrossesBriar Branch
Location0.5 MI E of FM 756
RouteState Highway 344
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.17787, -95.24732
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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 width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,406 (2021)
Projected traffic2,935 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 344 over Briar Branch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 344 over Briar Branch 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 344 over Briar Branch carry?

About 2,406 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 344 over Briar Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 344 over Briar Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.