US Bridges

Mentz RD over Sandy Branch

FairPosted for load

Colorado County, Texas · 0.33 MI E of IH 10 · Structure no. 130450AA0153001

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
720
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mentz RD over Sandy Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mentz RD over Sandy Branch in Colorado County, Texas. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 720 vehicles a day, projected to reach 900 by 2034. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMentz RD
CrossesSandy Branch
Location0.33 MI E of IH 10
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyColorado County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.71845, -96.47571
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic720 (2014)
Projected traffic900 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mentz RD over Sandy Branch built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mentz RD over Sandy Branch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Mentz RD over Sandy Branch carry?

About 720 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Mentz RD over Sandy Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Mentz RD over Sandy Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.