US Bridges

CO RD 438 over Sandy Fork

Fair

Gonzales County, Texas · 0.35 MI S of US 90 · Structure no. 130900AA0438001

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
49 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
39
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 438 over Sandy Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 438 over Sandy Fork 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 39 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 66 by 2042. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD 438
CrossesSandy Fork
Location0.35 MI S of US 90
RouteCounty Highway 438
CountyGonzales County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.67808, -97.4252
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39 (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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 438 over Sandy Fork built?

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

What condition is CO RD 438 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 438 over Sandy Fork carry?

About 39 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 438 over Sandy Fork?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 438 over Sandy Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.