US Bridges

FM 973 over Elm Creek

Fair

Travis County, Texas · 0.10 MI S of FM 969 · Structure no. 142270120003014

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25,198
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 973 over Elm Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 973 over Elm Creek in Travis County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 85 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 25,198 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,380 by 2033. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 973
CrossesElm Creek
Location0.10 MI S of FM 969
RouteState Highway 973
CountyTravis County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.25603, -97.61252
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,198 (2020)
Projected traffic16,380 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$1,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 973 over Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is FM 973 over Elm 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 Elm Creek carry?

About 25,198 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 973 over Elm Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FM 973 over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.