US Bridges

FM 344 over Saline Creek

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 1.7 MI S of SH 155 · Structure no. 102120092701004

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,164
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 344 over Saline Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 344 over Saline Creek in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 55 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 8,164 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,740 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 344
CrossesSaline Creek
Location1.7 MI S of SH 155
RouteState Highway 344
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.16713, -95.42622
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,164 (2020)
Projected traffic8,740 by 2033
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 344 over Saline Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is FM 344 over Saline 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 344 over Saline Creek carry?

About 8,164 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is FM 344 over Saline Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns FM 344 over Saline Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.