US Bridges

SH 17 over Short Canyon

Fair

Jeff Davis County, Texas · 13.4 MI NE of SH 118 · Structure no. 241230010402064

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
162 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,183
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 17 over Short Canyon is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying SH 17 over Short Canyon in Jeff Davis County, Texas. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 1,183 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,200 by 2033. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 17
CrossesShort Canyon
Location13.4 MI NE of SH 118
RouteState Highway 17
CountyJeff Davis County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.73211, -103.78276
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,183 (2019)
Projected traffic1,200 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 SH 17 over Short Canyon built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 17 over Short Canyon 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SH 17 over Short Canyon carry?

About 1,183 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 17 over Short Canyon?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SH 17 over Short Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.