US Bridges

FM 51 over Denton Crk

Good

Wise County, Texas · 8.7 Miles North of US 380 · Structure no. 022490031203046

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
490 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,903
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 51 over Denton Crk is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 51 over Denton Crk in Wise County, Texas. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 3,903 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,010 by 2033. The structure is 490 ft (149.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

CarriesFM 51
CrossesDenton Crk
Location8.7 Miles North of US 380
RouteState Highway 51
StateTexas
Coordinates33.32727, -97.46172
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length490 ft (149.4 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 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 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 51 over Denton Crk built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 51 over Denton Crk 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 51 over Denton Crk carry?

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

How long is FM 51 over Denton Crk?

The structure is 490 ft (149.4 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FM 51 over Denton Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.