US Bridges

SH 304 over Sandy Fork

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 0.30 MI S of US 90 · Structure no. 130900057303006

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
300 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
1,552
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 304 over Sandy Fork is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 304 over Sandy Fork in Gonzales County, Texas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 1,552 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,350 by 2040. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 304
CrossesSandy Fork
Location0.30 MI S of US 90
RouteState Highway 304
CountyGonzales County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.68094, -97.41632
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadOther
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,552 (2024)
Projected traffic2,350 by 2040
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 SH 304 over Sandy Fork built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 304 over Sandy Fork 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 304 over Sandy Fork carry?

About 1,552 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 304 over Sandy Fork?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 304 over Sandy Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.