US Bridges

FM 1696 over Bear Tributary

Fair

Walker County, Texas · 6.4 MI W of FM 2550 · Structure no. 172360180902002

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
718
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1696 over Bear Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1696 over Bear Tributary in Walker County, Texas. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 69 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 718 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 992 by 2039. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1696
CrossesBear Tributary
Location6.4 MI W of FM 2550
RouteState Highway 1696
CountyWalker County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.78312, -95.79617
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic718 (2020)
Projected traffic992 by 2039
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 1696 over Bear Tributary built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is FM 1696 over Bear Tributary 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 1696 over Bear Tributary carry?

About 718 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 1696 over Bear Tributary?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM 1696 over Bear Tributary?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.