US Bridges

FM 961 over Irrigation Canal

Good

Wharton County, Texas · 0.55 MI W of US 59 · Structure no. 132410126101003

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 961 over Irrigation Canal is a concrete culvert carrying FM 961 over Irrigation Canal in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 750 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,215 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 961
CrossesIrrigation Canal
Location0.55 MI W of US 59
RouteState Highway 961
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.28431, -96.14279
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic750 (2021)
Projected traffic1,215 by 2041
Trucks14%
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 961 over Irrigation Canal built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 961 over Irrigation Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 961 over Irrigation Canal carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 961 over Irrigation Canal?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM 961 over Irrigation Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.