US Bridges

US 90 over Mule Creek

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 0.85 MI W of FM 794 · Structure no. 130900002905017

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
171 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
636
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 90 over Mule Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 90 over Mule Creek in Gonzales County, Texas. It was built in 1933, 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 636 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,029 by 2042. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 90
CrossesMule Creek
Location0.85 MI W of FM 794
RouteU.S. Route 90
StateTexas
Coordinates29.6654, -97.51896
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 inspectionJanuary 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 rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic636 (2024)
Projected traffic1,029 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 US 90 over Mule Creek built?

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

What condition is US 90 over Mule 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does US 90 over Mule Creek carry?

About 636 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 90 over Mule Creek?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 90 over Mule Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.