US Bridges

US 90A over Gelhorn Creek

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 7.74 MI E of FM 532 · Structure no. 130900044501012

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,181
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 90A over Gelhorn Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 90A over Gelhorn Creek in Gonzales County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 86 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 4,181 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,853 by 2042. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 90A
CrossesGelhorn Creek
Location7.74 MI E of FM 532
RouteU.S. Route 90
CountyGonzales County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.4682, -97.29956
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,181 (2023)
Projected traffic5,853 by 2042
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 90A over Gelhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is US 90A over Gelhorn 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US 90A over Gelhorn Creek carry?

About 4,181 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 90A over Gelhorn Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 90A over Gelhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.