US Bridges

FM 972 over Long Branch

Good

Williamson County, Texas · 1.1 MI W of SH 95 · Structure no. 142460120201238

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
884
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 972 over Long Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 972 over Long Branch in Williamson County, Texas. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2019, 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 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 884 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,238 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesFM 972
CrossesLong Branch
Location1.1 MI W of SH 95
RouteState Highway 972
StateTexas
Coordinates30.75984, -97.45664
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic884 (2021)
Projected traffic1,238 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 972 over Long Branch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is FM 972 over Long Branch 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 972 over Long Branch carry?

About 884 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM 972 over Long Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns FM 972 over Long Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.