US Bridges

FM 576 over Bear Creek

Fair

Stephens County, Texas · 1.4 MI W of FM 1853 · Structure no. 232150010704015

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
127
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 576 over Bear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 576 over Bear Creek in Stephens County, Texas. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 72 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 127 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2033. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 576
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.4 MI W of FM 1853
RouteState Highway 576
CountyStephens County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.6473, -99.07887
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic127 (2020)
Projected traffic160 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 576 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is FM 576 over Bear 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does FM 576 over Bear Creek carry?

About 127 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 576 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns FM 576 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.