US Bridges

FM 973 over Decker Creek

Fair

Travis County, Texas · 1.95 MI NE of FM 969 · Structure no. 142270120003021

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
212 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
10,070
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 973 over Decker Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 973 over Decker Creek in Travis County, Texas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 212 ft (64.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 973
CrossesDecker Creek
Location1.95 MI NE of FM 969
RouteState Highway 973
CountyTravis County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.28163, -97.59628
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 20
Structure length212 ft (64.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 973 over Decker Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 973 over 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 Decker Creek carry?

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

How long is FM 973 over Decker Creek?

The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns FM 973 over Decker Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.