US Bridges

FM 205 over Paluxy River

Poor

Somervell County, Texas · 2.1 MI NW of US 67 · Structure no. 022130078101001

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
268 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,336
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 205 over Paluxy River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 205 over Paluxy River 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,336 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,290 by 2033. The structure is 268 ft (81.7 m) long and 26 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 205
CrossesPaluxy River
Location2.1 MI NW of US 67
RouteState Highway 205
CountySomervell County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.22963, -97.80487
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length268 ft (81.7 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,336 (2024)
Projected traffic1,290 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 205 over Paluxy River built?

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

What condition is FM 205 over Paluxy River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 205 over Paluxy River carry?

About 1,336 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 205 over Paluxy River?

The structure is 268 ft (81.7 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 205 over Paluxy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.