US Bridges

SH 16 over Willow Creek

Good

Gillespie County, Texas · 0.7 MI S of FM 1323 · Structure no. 140870029003024

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
150 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,213
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Willow Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 16 over Willow Creek in Gillespie County, Texas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,213 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,070 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesSH 16
CrossesWillow Creek
Location0.7 MI S of FM 1323
RouteState Highway 16
StateTexas
Coordinates30.40126, -98.7383
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 rating43 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,213 (2020)
Projected traffic2,070 by 2033
Trucks7%
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 Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 16 over Willow Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Willow Creek carry?

About 2,213 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.