US Bridges

FM 556 over Prairie Creek

Good

Upshur County, Texas · 0.30 MI S of FM 2088 · Structure no. 192300203001002

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
252
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 556 over Prairie Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 556 over Prairie Creek in Upshur County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older 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 252 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 540 by 2033. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 556
CrossesPrairie Creek
Location0.30 MI S of FM 2088
RouteState Highway 556
CountyUpshur County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.85783, -95.07332
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic252 (2018)
Projected traffic540 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 556 over Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 556 over Prairie 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FM 556 over Prairie Creek carry?

About 252 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 556 over Prairie Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns FM 556 over Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.