US Bridges

SH 97 over Dry Creek

Good

Atascosa County, Texas · 7.10 MI SW of SH 16 · Structure no. 150070032805010

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,191
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Dry Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 97 over Dry Creek in Atascosa County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 2017, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,191 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,290 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesSH 97
CrossesDry Creek
Location7.10 MI SW of SH 16
RouteState Highway 97
StateTexas
Coordinates28.88653, -98.65644
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum 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 spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.5 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,191 (2020)
Projected traffic11,290 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure3
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 Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is SH 97 over Dry Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 97 over Dry Creek carry?

About 4,191 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.