US Bridges

SH 16 over Salt Branch Creek

Fair

Atascosa County, Texas · 1.60 MI N of FM 3350 · Structure no. 150070061302002

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
56 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,257
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Salt Branch Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 16 over Salt Branch Creek in Atascosa County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 86 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 5,257 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,090 by 2033. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesSalt Branch Creek
Location1.60 MI N of FM 3350
RouteState Highway 16
CountyAtascosa County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.98503, -98.57557
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,257 (2020)
Projected traffic13,090 by 2033
Trucks21%
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 16 over Salt Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is SH 16 over Salt Branch 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 16 over Salt Branch Creek carry?

About 5,257 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Salt Branch Creek?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Salt Branch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.