US Bridges

SH 97 over Denton Creek

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 2.2 MI NE of SH 304 · Structure no. 130900002507198

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,282
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Denton Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 97 over Denton 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 2,282 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,700 by 2040. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 97
CrossesDenton Creek
Location2.2 MI NE of SH 304
RouteState Highway 97
CountyGonzales County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.56504, -97.39202
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 loadHS 20
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,282 (2020)
Projected traffic3,700 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Denton Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 97 over Denton 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 97 over Denton Creek carry?

About 2,282 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Denton Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 97 over Denton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.