US Bridges

SH 97 over Pecan Creek

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 9.50 MI NE of SH 304 · Structure no. 130900002507190

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
94 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,787
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Pecan Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 97 over Pecan Creek in Gonzales County, Texas. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 94 ft (28.5 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 97
CrossesPecan Creek
Location9.50 MI NE of SH 304
RouteState Highway 97
CountyGonzales County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.64428, -97.31784
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length94 ft (28.5 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.5 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.5 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
CrossesWaterway
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 Pecan Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 97 over Pecan 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 97 over Pecan Creek carry?

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

How long is SH 97 over Pecan Creek?

The structure is 94 ft (28.5 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.5 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Pecan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.