US Bridges

SH 85 over Nueces River

Fair

Dimmit County, Texas · 6.90 MI NE of US 83 · Structure no. 220640030101005

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
226 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,469
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 85 over Nueces River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 85 over Nueces River in Dimmit County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 95 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 3,469 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,950 by 2033. The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 85
CrossesNueces River
Location6.90 MI NE of US 83
RouteState Highway 85
CountyDimmit County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.54952, -99.75251
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length226 ft (68.9 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,469 (2020)
Projected traffic7,950 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 85 over Nueces River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is SH 85 over Nueces River 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 2022.

How much traffic does SH 85 over Nueces River carry?

About 3,469 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is SH 85 over Nueces River?

The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 85 over Nueces River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.