US Bridges

SP 242 over Atascosa River

Fair

Atascosa County, Texas · 0.20 MI W of US 281 · Structure no. 150070032810036

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
253 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,587
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SP 242 over Atascosa River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SP 242 over Atascosa River in Atascosa County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 95 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 7,587 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,800 by 2033. The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSP 242
CrossesAtascosa River
Location0.20 MI W of US 281
RouteState Highway 242
CountyAtascosa County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.97199, -98.48182
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length253 ft (77.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,587 (2023)
Projected traffic11,800 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 SP 242 over Atascosa River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is SP 242 over Atascosa River 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 SP 242 over Atascosa River carry?

About 7,587 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SP 242 over Atascosa River?

The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns SP 242 over Atascosa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.