US Bridges

SH 16 over Medina River

Good

Bandera County, Texas · 1.3 MI NW of FM 337 · Structure no. 150100029104064

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
77 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,108
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Medina River is a concrete culvert carrying SH 16 over Medina River in Bandera County, Texas. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 1,108 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,250 by 2033. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesSH 16
CrossesMedina River
Location1.3 MI NW of FM 337
RouteState Highway 16
StateTexas
Coordinates29.81709, -99.25969
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,108 (2023)
Projected traffic1,250 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 16 over Medina River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 16 over Medina River 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 16 over Medina River carry?

About 1,108 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Medina River?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Medina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.