US Bridges

SH 97 over Sandies Creek

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 4.60 MI NE of SH 80 · Structure no. 130900034702014

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
415 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,099
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Sandies Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 97 over Sandies Creek in Gonzales County, Texas. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 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 1,099 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,740 by 2040. The structure is 415 ft (126.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesSH 97
CrossesSandies Creek
Location4.60 MI NE of SH 80
RouteState Highway 97
StateTexas
Coordinates29.36616, -97.69846
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length415 ft (126.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,099 (2020)
Projected traffic3,740 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Sandies Creek built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 97 over Sandies 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 SH 97 over Sandies Creek carry?

About 1,099 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Sandies Creek?

The structure is 415 ft (126.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Sandies Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.