US Bridges

FM 51 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Wise County, Texas · 1.3 MI N of FM 2048 · Structure no. 022490031301003

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,119
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 51 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 51 over Cottonwood 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 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 7,119 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,710 by 2033. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 51
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location1.3 MI N of FM 2048
RouteState Highway 51
CountyWise County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.04566, -97.65986
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,119 (2023)
Projected traffic26,710 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 51 over Cottonwood Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 51 over Cottonwood 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 51 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 7,119 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is FM 51 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns FM 51 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.