US Bridges

FM 442 over Bee Tree Bayou

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 3.60 MI NE of FM 1301 · Structure no. 132410083801018

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
121 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,013
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 442 over Bee Tree Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 442 over Bee Tree Bayou in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 5,013 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,018 by 2041. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 442
CrossesBee Tree Bayou
Location3.60 MI NE of FM 1301
RouteState Highway 442
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.30184, -95.90865
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,013 (2021)
Projected traffic7,018 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 Bee Tree Bayou built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 442 over Bee Tree Bayou 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 Bee Tree Bayou carry?

About 5,013 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM 442 over Bee Tree Bayou?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns FM 442 over Bee Tree Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.