US Bridges

RM 965 over Palo Alto Creek

Good

Gillespie County, Texas · 4.3 MI N of US 290 · Structure no. 140870119901003

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
96 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,855
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RM 965 over Palo Alto Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RM 965 over Palo Alto Creek in Gillespie County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 2,855 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,120 by 2033. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRM 965
CrossesPalo Alto Creek
Location4.3 MI N of US 290
RouteState Highway 965
CountyGillespie County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.33327, -98.85818
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,855 (2020)
Projected traffic2,120 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RM 965 over Palo Alto Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is RM 965 over Palo Alto 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 RM 965 over Palo Alto Creek carry?

About 2,855 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is RM 965 over Palo Alto Creek?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns RM 965 over Palo Alto Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.