US Bridges

US 183 over Mule Creek

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 2.70 MI SE of Caldwell Cl · Structure no. 130900015302017

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
243 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
8,559
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 183 over Mule Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 183 over Mule Creek in Gonzales County, Texas. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 8,559 vehicles a day, roughly 39% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,790 by 2033. The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 183
CrossesMule Creek
Location2.70 MI SE of Caldwell Cl
RouteU.S. Route 183
CountyGonzales County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.6074, -97.5581
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 20
Structure length243 ft (74.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,559 (2020)
Projected traffic9,790 by 2033
Trucks39%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 183 over Mule Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 183 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 183 over Mule Creek carry?

About 8,559 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 39% are trucks.

How long is US 183 over Mule Creek?

The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 183 over Mule Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.