US Bridges

SH 16 over Palo Alto Creek

Fair

Gillespie County, Texas · 4.0 MI N of US 290 · Structure no. 140870029003027

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
150 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,505
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Palo Alto Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 16 over Palo Alto 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 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 3,505 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,620 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).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesPalo Alto Creek
Location4.0 MI N of US 290
RouteState Highway 16
CountyGillespie County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.30708, -98.81891
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$105,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 16 over Palo Alto Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 16 over Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto Creek carry?

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

How long is SH 16 over Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.