US Bridges

FM 980 over West Carolina Creek

Fair

Walker County, Texas · 1.25 MI E of FM 3454 · Structure no. 172360244301001

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
152 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,133
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 980 over West Carolina Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 980 over West Carolina Creek in Walker County, Texas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 1,133 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,586 by 2040. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 980
CrossesWest Carolina Creek
Location1.25 MI E of FM 3454
RouteState Highway 980
CountyWalker County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.82778, -95.33478
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,133 (2020)
Projected traffic1,586 by 2040
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 980 over West Carolina Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 980 over West Carolina 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FM 980 over West Carolina Creek carry?

About 1,133 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 980 over West Carolina Creek?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 980 over West Carolina Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.