US Bridges

US 90A over Elm Slough

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 4.95 MI E of FM 532 · Structure no. 130900044501014

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,995
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 90A over Elm Slough is a concrete culvert carrying US 90A over Elm Slough in Gonzales County, Texas. It was built in 1939, 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 5 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 3,995 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,593 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 90A
CrossesElm Slough
Location4.95 MI E of FM 532
RouteU.S. Route 90
CountyGonzales County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.48349, -97.34233
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,995 (2023)
Projected traffic5,593 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 Elm Slough built?

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

What condition is US 90A over Elm Slough 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 Elm Slough carry?

About 3,995 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 90A over Elm Slough?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 90A over Elm Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.