US Bridges

FM 481 over Gato Creek

Fair

Zavala County, Texas · 3.3 MI E of Maverick C/L · Structure no. 222540159002009

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
139 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
960
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 481 over Gato Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 481 over Gato Creek in Zavala County, Texas. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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 960 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,640 by 2033. The structure is 139 ft (42.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 481
CrossesGato Creek
Location3.3 MI E of Maverick C/L
RouteState Highway 481
CountyZavala County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.06006, -100.06037
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13
Design loadHS 20
Structure length139 ft (42.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic960 (2018)
Projected traffic1,640 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 481 over Gato Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 481 over Gato 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 481 over Gato Creek carry?

About 960 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 481 over Gato Creek?

The structure is 139 ft (42.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 481 over Gato Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.