US Bridges

SH 16 over Mercer Creek

Fair

Comanche County, Texas · 1.15 MI N of FM 1476 · Structure no. 230470028901004

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,066
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Mercer Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 16 over Mercer Creek in Comanche County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 91 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 1,066 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,266 by 2038. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesMercer Creek
Location1.15 MI N of FM 1476
RouteState Highway 16
CountyComanche County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.78565, -98.53184
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,066 (2023)
Projected traffic1,266 by 2038
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 16 over Mercer Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is SH 16 over Mercer 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Mercer Creek carry?

About 1,066 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Mercer Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Mercer Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.