US Bridges

FM 1686 over Chocolate Bayou

Fair

Victoria County, Texas · 1.85 MI SW of US 87 · Structure no. 132350113201006

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
802
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1686 over Chocolate Bayou is a concrete slab carrying FM 1686 over Chocolate Bayou in Victoria 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 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 802 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,123 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1686
CrossesChocolate Bayou
Location1.85 MI SW of US 87
RouteState Highway 1686
CountyVictoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.70171, -96.89494
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic802 (2022)
Projected traffic1,123 by 2042
Trucks9%
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 1686 over Chocolate Bayou built?

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

What condition is FM 1686 over Chocolate Bayou 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1686 over Chocolate Bayou carry?

About 802 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 1686 over Chocolate Bayou?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1686 over Chocolate Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.