US Bridges

SH 16 over Delaware Creek

Fair

Gillespie County, Texas · 11.8 MI SW of US 290 · Structure no. 140870029101050

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
150 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,316
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Delaware Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 16 over Delaware Creek in Gillespie County, Texas. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 1959, 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 6,316 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,880 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesDelaware Creek
Location11.8 MI SW of US 290
RouteState Highway 16
CountyGillespie County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.17922, -99.01197
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,316 (2015)
Projected traffic7,880 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$16,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 16 over Delaware Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is SH 16 over Delaware 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 Delaware Creek carry?

About 6,316 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Delaware Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Delaware Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.