US Bridges

FM 444 over Garcitas Creek

Fair

Victoria County, Texas · 6.37 MI S of US 59 · Structure no. 132350251601003

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
342 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
239
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 444 over Garcitas Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 444 over Garcitas Creek in Victoria County, Texas. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 239 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 335 by 2042. The structure is 342 ft (104.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 444
CrossesGarcitas Creek
Location6.37 MI S of US 59
RouteState Highway 444
CountyVictoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.82945, -96.74109
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 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 rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length342 ft (104.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic239 (2023)
Projected traffic335 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 444 over Garcitas Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 444 over Garcitas 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does FM 444 over Garcitas Creek carry?

About 239 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 444 over Garcitas Creek?

The structure is 342 ft (104.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 444 over Garcitas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.