US Bridges

FM 65 over Nueces River

Fair

Zavala County, Texas · 4.4 MI SE of US 83 · Structure no. 222540065201011

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
190 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
930
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 65 over Nueces River is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 65 over Nueces River in Zavala County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 930 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,640 by 2033. The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 65
CrossesNueces River
Location4.4 MI SE of US 83
RouteState Highway 65
CountyZavala County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.65413, -99.78432
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
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
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 rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic930 (2020)
Projected traffic2,640 by 2033
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Nueces River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 65 over Nueces River 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 Nueces River carry?

About 930 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is FM 65 over Nueces River?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 65 over Nueces River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.