US Bridges

SH 97 over Tinsley Crk

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 3.50 MI NE of SH 304 · Structure no. 130900002507218

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,730
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Tinsley Crk is a concrete culvert carrying SH 97 over Tinsley Crk in Gonzales County, Texas. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 2,730 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,822 by 2042. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 97
CrossesTinsley Crk
Location3.50 MI NE of SH 304
RouteState Highway 97
CountyGonzales County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.57637, -97.37174
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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width56 ft (17 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,730 (2022)
Projected traffic3,822 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 97 over Tinsley Crk built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 97 over Tinsley Crk 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SH 97 over Tinsley Crk carry?

About 2,730 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Tinsley Crk?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Tinsley Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.