US Bridges

SH 97 over Stahls Lake

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 0.25 MI SW of FM 1116 · Structure no. 130900034701011

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
420 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,307
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Stahls Lake is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 97 over Stahls Lake 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 2,307 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,860 by 2040. The structure is 420 ft (128 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 97
CrossesStahls Lake
Location0.25 MI SW of FM 1116
RouteState Highway 97
CountyGonzales County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.46081, -97.46268
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length420 ft (128 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,307 (2020)
Projected traffic4,860 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 Stahls Lake built?

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

What condition is SH 97 over Stahls Lake 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 SH 97 over Stahls Lake carry?

About 2,307 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Stahls Lake?

The structure is 420 ft (128 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Stahls Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.