US Bridges

SH 44 over San Diego Creek

Fair

Duval County, Texas · 0.85 MI W of SH 359 · Structure no. 220670023706004

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
190 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,428
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 44 over San Diego Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 44 over San Diego Creek in Duval County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1959, 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 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 4,428 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,920 by 2038. The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesSH 44
CrossesSan Diego Creek
Location0.85 MI W of SH 359
RouteState Highway 44
StateTexas
Coordinates27.76752, -98.25196
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 10
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,428 (2020)
Projected traffic8,920 by 2038
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 44 over San Diego Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is SH 44 over San Diego 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SH 44 over San Diego Creek carry?

About 4,428 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 44 over San Diego Creek?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 44 over San Diego Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.