US Bridges

SH 16 over Middle Creek

Good

Gillespie County, Texas · 4.1 MI N of US 290 · Structure no. 140870029003026

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,505
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Middle Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 16 over Middle 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 3,505 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,620 by 2033. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesSH 16
CrossesMiddle Creek
Location4.1 MI N of US 290
RouteState Highway 16
StateTexas
Coordinates30.30988, -98.81603
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,505 (2020)
Projected traffic3,620 by 2033
Trucks13%
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 Middle Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 16 over Middle 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 Middle Creek carry?

About 3,505 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Middle Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 16 over Middle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.