US Bridges

SH 46 over Red Bluff Creek

Fair

Bandera County, Texas · 2.1 MI NE of SH 16 · Structure no. 150100104203005

Built
1967
58 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
102 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,378
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 46 over Red Bluff Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 46 over Red Bluff Creek in Bandera County, Texas. It was built in 1967 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 58 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 6,378 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,420 by 2033. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 46
CrossesRed Bluff Creek
Location2.1 MI NE of SH 16
RouteState Highway 46
CountyBandera County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.7247, -98.85928
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,378 (2020)
Projected traffic7,420 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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$10,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 46 over Red Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is SH 46 over Red Bluff 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 46 over Red Bluff Creek carry?

About 6,378 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 46 over Red Bluff Creek?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 46 over Red Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.