US Bridges

FM 279 over Murchison CR

Fair

Van Zandt County, Texas · 0.25 MI NW of FM 2339 · Structure no. 102340024503004

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,342
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 279 over Murchison CR is a concrete culvert carrying FM 279 over Murchison CR in Van Zandt County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2006, so it is 95 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 1,342 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,630 by 2033. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 279
CrossesMurchison CR
Location0.25 MI NW of FM 2339
RouteState Highway 279
CountyVan Zandt County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.37545, -95.61844
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to 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 spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,342 (2023)
Projected traffic1,630 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 279 over Murchison CR built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is FM 279 over Murchison CR 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does FM 279 over Murchison CR carry?

About 1,342 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 279 over Murchison CR?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns FM 279 over Murchison CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.