US Bridges

Merkens Drive over Zarzamora Creek

Fair

Bexar County, Texas · 0.25 MI W of Wurzbach · Structure no. 150150B22845001

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
68 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
1,521
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merkens Drive over Zarzamora Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Merkens Drive over Zarzamora Creek in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 1,521 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,915 by 2031. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesMerkens Drive
CrossesZarzamora Creek
Location0.25 MI W of Wurzbach
RouteCity Street 0
CountyBexar County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.50006, -98.59496
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,521 (2020)
Projected traffic3,915 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Merkens Drive over Zarzamora Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Merkens Drive over Zarzamora 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Merkens Drive over Zarzamora Creek carry?

About 1,521 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Merkens Drive over Zarzamora Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Merkens Drive over Zarzamora Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.