US Bridges

CO RD 278 over Mule Creek

Poor

Gonzales County, Texas · 1.30 MI E of IH 10 · Structure no. 130900AA0278001

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 278 over Mule Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 278 over Mule Creek in Gonzales County, Texas. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 12 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 66 by 2042. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD 278
CrossesMule Creek
Location1.30 MI E of IH 10
RouteCounty Highway 278
CountyGonzales County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.6426, -97.53643
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12 (2022)
Projected traffic66 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 278 over Mule Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 278 over Mule Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 278 over Mule Creek carry?

About 12 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 278 over Mule Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 278 over Mule Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.