US Bridges

FM 203 over Bowden Branch

Fair

Somervell County, Texas · 3.6 MI S of US 67 · Structure no. 022130077901005

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 203 over Bowden Branch is a concrete slab carrying FM 203 over Bowden Branch in Somervell County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2033. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 203
CrossesBowden Branch
Location3.6 MI S of US 67
RouteState Highway 203
CountySomervell County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.14296, -97.82754
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 rating52 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2020)
Projected traffic200 by 2033
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 203 over Bowden Branch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 203 over Bowden 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 203 over Bowden Branch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is FM 203 over Bowden Branch?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 203 over Bowden Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.