US Bridges

SH 16 over Sandy Creek

Fair

Gillespie County, Texas · 8.20 MI SW of US 290 · Structure no. 140870029101048

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,873
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Sandy Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 16 over Sandy Creek in Gillespie County, Texas. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 83 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 6,873 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,990 by 2033. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesSandy Creek
Location8.20 MI SW of US 290
RouteState Highway 16
CountyGillespie County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.20776, -98.96573
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,873 (2020)
Projected traffic7,990 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is SH 16 over Sandy 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 Sandy Creek carry?

About 6,873 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SH 16 over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.