US Bridges

FM 971 over Bottom Creek

Fair

Williamson County, Texas · 5.15 MI E of Bi 35 M · Structure no. 142460269001003

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,081
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 971 over Bottom Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 971 over Bottom Creek in Williamson County, Texas. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 61 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 3,081 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,220 by 2039. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 971
CrossesBottom Creek
Location5.15 MI E of Bi 35 M
RouteState Highway 971
CountyWilliamson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.67385, -97.59256
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,081 (2020)
Projected traffic4,220 by 2039
Trucks13%
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$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 971 over Bottom Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is FM 971 over Bottom 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM 971 over Bottom Creek carry?

About 3,081 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 971 over Bottom Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns FM 971 over Bottom Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.