US Bridges

FM 65 over Espantosa Creek

Fair

Zavala County, Texas · 3.20 MI SE of US 83 · Structure no. 222540065201009

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
231 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
793
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 65 over Espantosa Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 65 over Espantosa Creek in Zavala County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 793 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,070 by 2037. The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 65
CrossesEspantosa Creek
Location3.20 MI SE of US 83
RouteState Highway 65
CountyZavala County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.66004, -99.8016
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
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 rating43 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length231 ft (70.4 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic793 (2024)
Projected traffic1,070 by 2037
Trucks41%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 65 over Espantosa Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 65 over Espantosa 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 November 2022.

How much traffic does FM 65 over Espantosa Creek carry?

About 793 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is FM 65 over Espantosa Creek?

The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 65 over Espantosa Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.