US Bridges

FM 50 over Penn Creek

Fair

Washington County, Texas · 0.7 MI N of FM 390 · Structure no. 172390045703007

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,704
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 50 over Penn Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 50 over Penn Creek in Washington County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 85 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 5 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 2,704 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,623 by 2041. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 50
CrossesPenn Creek
Location0.7 MI N of FM 390
RouteState Highway 50
CountyWashington County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.32959, -96.34692
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,704 (2021)
Projected traffic3,623 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 50 over Penn Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is FM 50 over Penn 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 50 over Penn Creek carry?

About 2,704 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 50 over Penn Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns FM 50 over Penn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.