US Bridges

FM 970 over South Salado Creek

Fair

Williamson County, Texas · 0.05 MI SW of SH 195 · Structure no. 142460120101014

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
110 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,416
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 970 over South Salado Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 970 over South Salado Creek in Williamson 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 1,416 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,400 by 2033. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 970
CrossesSouth Salado Creek
Location0.05 MI SW of SH 195
RouteState Highway 970
CountyWilliamson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.83484, -97.79181
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,416 (2020)
Projected traffic2,400 by 2033
Trucks12%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$9,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 970 over South Salado Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 970 over South Salado 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 2025.

How much traffic does FM 970 over South Salado Creek carry?

About 1,416 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 970 over South Salado Creek?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 970 over South Salado Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.