US Bridges

FM 442 over Alligator Slough

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 1.80 MI SW of FM 1301 · Structure no. 132410083801013

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
57 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,222
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 442 over Alligator Slough is a concrete culvert carrying FM 442 over Alligator Slough in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 3,222 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,704 by 2041. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 442
CrossesAlligator Slough
Location1.80 MI SW of FM 1301
RouteState Highway 442
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.24235, -95.95894
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,222 (2021)
Projected traffic4,704 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 442 over Alligator Slough built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 442 over Alligator Slough 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 442 over Alligator Slough carry?

About 3,222 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 442 over Alligator Slough?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM 442 over Alligator Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.