US Bridges

SH 16 over Legion Creek

Fair

Gillespie County, Texas · 5.7 MI N of FM 1323 · Structure no. 140870029002020

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,859
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Legion Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 16 over Legion Creek in Gillespie County, Texas. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 87 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 1,859 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesLegion Creek
Location5.7 MI N of FM 1323
RouteState Highway 16
CountyGillespie County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.48111, -98.70489
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.3 US tons
Inventory rating36.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,859 (2020)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Legion Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is SH 16 over Legion 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Legion Creek carry?

About 1,859 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Legion Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Legion Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.