US Bridges

SH 80 over San Marcos River

Good

Caldwell County, Texas · 1.0 MI S of US 90 · Structure no. 140280028701014

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
579 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,326
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 80 over San Marcos River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 80 over San Marcos River in Caldwell County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1973, 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 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 6,326 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,856 by 2042. The structure is 579 ft (176.5 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesSH 80
CrossesSan Marcos River
Location1.0 MI S of US 90
RouteState Highway 80
StateTexas
Coordinates29.66608, -97.65096
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+8 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length579 ft (176.5 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (16 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,326 (2023)
Projected traffic8,856 by 2042
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 80 over San Marcos River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is SH 80 over San Marcos 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH 80 over San Marcos River carry?

About 6,326 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is SH 80 over San Marcos River?

The structure is 579 ft (176.5 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns SH 80 over San Marcos River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.