US Bridges

SH 97 over Lucas Creek

Fair

Atascosa County, Texas · 3.50 MI NE of IH 37 · Structure no. 150070032803025

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
105 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,890
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Lucas Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 97 over Lucas Creek in Atascosa County, Texas. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 87 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 4,890 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,080 by 2033. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 97
CrossesLucas Creek
Location3.50 MI NE of IH 37
RouteState Highway 97
CountyAtascosa County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.01568, -98.37714
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,890 (2020)
Projected traffic8,080 by 2033
Trucks28%
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 SH 97 over Lucas Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is SH 97 over Lucas 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 97 over Lucas Creek carry?

About 4,890 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Lucas Creek?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Lucas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.