US Bridges

FM 973 over Old Decker Creek

Fair

Travis County, Texas · 2.45 MI NE of FM 969 · Structure no. 142270120003012

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
121 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
10,070
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 973 over Old Decker Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 973 over Old Decker Creek in Travis County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 10,070 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,610 by 2033. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 973
CrossesOld Decker Creek
Location2.45 MI NE of FM 969
RouteState Highway 973
CountyTravis County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.28711, -97.59148
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,070 (2020)
Projected traffic9,610 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$9,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 973 over Old Decker Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 973 over Old Decker 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FM 973 over Old Decker Creek carry?

About 10,070 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 973 over Old Decker Creek?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FM 973 over Old Decker Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.