US Bridges

SH 80 over Low Smith Creek

Fair

Guadalupe County, Texas · 0.50 MI S of Caldwell C/L · Structure no. 150950028702015

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
402 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
4,143
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 80 over Low Smith Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 80 over Low Smith Creek in Guadalupe County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1973, 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 4,143 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,210 by 2033. The structure is 402 ft (122.5 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 80
CrossesLow Smith Creek
Location0.50 MI S of Caldwell C/L
RouteState Highway 80
CountyGuadalupe County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.65901, -97.65653
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length402 ft (122.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,143 (2020)
Projected traffic7,210 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 80 over Low Smith Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is SH 80 over Low Smith 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 SH 80 over Low Smith Creek carry?

About 4,143 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SH 80 over Low Smith Creek?

The structure is 402 ft (122.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 80 over Low Smith Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.