The Texas Department of Transportation is looking for a new home for a more than 130-year-old bridge in Falls County that has outlived its usefulness.

The single-span bowstring truss bridge with a riveted tubular-arch top chord was built in 1884 by the King Iron Bridge Company to span Big Elm Creek at what is now CR 179.

“This bridge is significant as one of a limited number of bowstring truss bridges in the state. It is also significant for its use of both wrought iron and cast iron materials,” TxDOT said Monday.

TxDOT’s Historic Bridge Legacy Program was created to facilitate the effort to find new uses for historic bridges in such places as public parks or along hike-and-bike trails.

The bridge must be relocated and will require some repairs as well as lead-paint abatement.

Prospective owners should have access to a structural engineer to provide guidance.

TxDOT estimates the price tag for the work at just more than $300,000, but says limited federal funds may be available to help cover the cost of moving the bridge.