US Bridges

SH 97 over Stancel Creek

Fair

Atascosa County, Texas · 4.80 MI SW of SH 16 · Structure no. 150070032805009

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,249
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Stancel Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 97 over Stancel Creek in Atascosa County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 94 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 5,249 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,870 by 2033. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 97
CrossesStancel Creek
Location4.80 MI SW of SH 16
RouteState Highway 97
CountyAtascosa County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.90333, -98.62249
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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 spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,249 (2020)
Projected traffic11,870 by 2033
Trucks20%
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 SH 97 over Stancel Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is SH 97 over Stancel 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 Stancel Creek carry?

About 5,249 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Stancel Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Stancel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.