US Bridges

FM 1938 over Big Bear Creek

Good

Tarrant County, Texas · 1.2 MI S of FM 1709 · Structure no. 022200197801004

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,176
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1938 over Big Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1938 over Big Bear Creek in Tarrant County, Texas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 22,176 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,046 by 2040. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesFM 1938
CrossesBig Bear Creek
Location1.2 MI S of FM 1709
RouteState Highway 1938
StateTexas
Coordinates32.91874, -97.18667
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.8 m)
Roadway width86 ft (26.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,176 (2022)
Projected traffic31,046 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1938 over Big Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1938 over Big Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1938 over Big Bear Creek carry?

About 22,176 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is FM 1938 over Big Bear Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1938 over Big Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.