US Bridges

FM 51 over Catlett Creek

Fair

Wise County, Texas · 2.0 MI N of US 380 · Structure no. 022490031203010

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,903
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 51 over Catlett Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 51 over Catlett Creek in Wise County, Texas. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 5 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 3,903 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,010 by 2033. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 51
CrossesCatlett Creek
Location2.0 MI N of US 380
RouteState Highway 51
CountyWise County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.26523, -97.55138
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,903 (2019)
Projected traffic5,010 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 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$10,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 51 over Catlett Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 51 over Catlett 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 51 over Catlett Creek carry?

About 3,903 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 51 over Catlett Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FM 51 over Catlett Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.