US Bridges

FM 1948 over Sandy Branch

Fair

Washington County, Texas · 3.47 MI W of SH 36 · Structure no. 172390223802001

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
495
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1948 over Sandy Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1948 over Sandy Branch in Washington County, Texas. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 495 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,010 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1948
CrossesSandy Branch
Location3.47 MI W of SH 36
RouteState Highway 1948
CountyWashington County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.28953, -96.54601
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 inspectionApril 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
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 traffic495 (2020)
Projected traffic1,010 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 1948 over Sandy Branch built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1948 over Sandy Branch 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 1948 over Sandy Branch carry?

About 495 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 1948 over Sandy Branch?

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

Who owns FM 1948 over Sandy Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.