US Bridges

FM 78 over Santa Clara Creek

Fair

Guadalupe County, Texas · 0.8 MI E of JCT FM 465 · Structure no. 150950002510060

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
264 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
11,239
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 78 over Santa Clara Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 78 over Santa Clara Creek in Guadalupe County, Texas. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 104 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 11,239 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,455 by 2042. The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 78
CrossesSanta Clara Creek
Location0.8 MI E of JCT FM 465
RouteState Highway 78
CountyGuadalupe County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.57359, -98.12735
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12
Design loadUnknown
Structure length264 ft (80.5 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,239 (2023)
Projected traffic20,455 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 FM 78 over Santa Clara Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is FM 78 over Santa Clara 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does FM 78 over Santa Clara Creek carry?

About 11,239 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 78 over Santa Clara Creek?

The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns FM 78 over Santa Clara Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.