US Bridges

FM 973 over Avery Branch

Fair

Williamson County, Texas · 5.10 MI S of US 79 · Structure no. 142460229501008

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
71 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
7,458
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 973 over Avery Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 973 over Avery Branch in Williamson County, Texas. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 years old, younger 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 7,458 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,808 by 2041. The structure is 71 ft (21.5 m) long and 89 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 973
CrossesAvery Branch
Location5.10 MI S of US 79
RouteState Highway 973
CountyWilliamson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.48671, -97.45791
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length71 ft (21.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width89 ft (27.1 m)
Roadway width71 ft (21.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,458 (2023)
Projected traffic7,808 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 973 over Avery Branch built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 973 over Avery Branch 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 973 over Avery Branch carry?

About 7,458 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 973 over Avery Branch?

The structure is 71 ft (21.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 89 ft wide.

Who owns FM 973 over Avery Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.