US Bridges

SH 97 over Sandy Fork South Relief

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 8.00 MI NE of SH 304 · Structure no. 130900002507044

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
122 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,787
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Sandy Fork South Relief is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 97 over Sandy Fork South Relief in Gonzales County, Texas. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 92 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 1,787 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,502 by 2042. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesSH 97
CrossesSandy Fork South Relief
Location8.00 MI NE of SH 304
RouteState Highway 97
StateTexas
Coordinates29.62263, -97.32164
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,787 (2023)
Projected traffic2,502 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 97 over Sandy Fork South Relief built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is SH 97 over Sandy Fork South Relief 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 97 over Sandy Fork South Relief carry?

About 1,787 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Sandy Fork South Relief?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Sandy Fork South Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.