US Bridges

FM 487 over South Salado Creek

Fair

Williamson County, Texas · 6.90 MI W of IH 35 · Structure no. 142460120102010

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,409
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 487 over South Salado Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 487 over South Salado Creek in Williamson County, Texas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 70 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 1,409 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,801 by 2039. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 487
CrossesSouth Salado Creek
Location6.90 MI W of IH 35
RouteState Highway 487
CountyWilliamson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.82937, -97.70227
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 inspectionFebruary 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,409 (2020)
Projected traffic1,801 by 2039
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 487 over South Salado Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is FM 487 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 487 over South Salado Creek carry?

About 1,409 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 487 over South Salado Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 487 over South Salado Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.