US Bridges

FM 1740 over Bear Creek

Fair

Wichita County, Texas · 4.7 MI NE of FM 171 · Structure no. 032430161501001

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
253
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1740 over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1740 over Bear Creek in Wichita County, Texas. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 253 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 390 by 2033. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1740
CrossesBear Creek
Location4.7 MI NE of FM 171
RouteState Highway 1740
CountyWichita County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.98486, -98.42961
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic253 (2020)
Projected traffic390 by 2033
Trucks19%
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 1740 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1740 over Bear 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1740 over Bear Creek carry?

About 253 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is FM 1740 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1740 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.