US Bridges

FM 1162 over Blue Creek

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 3.90 MI E of US 59 · Structure no. 132410130401004

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
261
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1162 over Blue Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 1162 over Blue Creek in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 261 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 365 by 2042. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1162
CrossesBlue Creek
Location3.90 MI E of US 59
RouteState Highway 1162
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.1769, -96.19461
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 above top of footing
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 typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic261 (2022)
Projected traffic365 by 2042
Trucks11%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1162 over Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1162 over Blue 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1162 over Blue Creek carry?

About 261 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 1162 over Blue Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1162 over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.