US Bridges

SH 238 over Little Chocolate Byu

Fair

Calhoun County, Texas · 0.80 MI E of FM 2433 · Structure no. 130290014404047

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
152 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,301
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 238 over Little Chocolate Byu is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 238 over Little Chocolate Byu in Calhoun County, Texas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 5,301 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,700 by 2033. The structure is 152 ft (46.2 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 238
CrossesLittle Chocolate Byu
Location0.80 MI E of FM 2433
RouteState Highway 238
CountyCalhoun County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.59174, -96.64467
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length152 ft (46.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width75 ft (22.9 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,301 (2023)
Projected traffic5,700 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 238 over Little Chocolate Byu built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 238 over Little Chocolate Byu 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 238 over Little Chocolate Byu carry?

About 5,301 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 238 over Little Chocolate Byu?

The structure is 152 ft (46.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns SH 238 over Little Chocolate Byu?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.