US Bridges

SH 166 over Merrill Canyon

Fair

Jeff Davis County, Texas · 0.05 MI N of RM 505 · Structure no. 241230041503009

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
110 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 166 over Merrill Canyon is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 166 over Merrill Canyon in Jeff Davis County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 50 by 2033. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 166
CrossesMerrill Canyon
Location0.05 MI N of RM 505
RouteState Highway 166
CountyJeff Davis County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.54843, -104.26981
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.
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 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2020)
Projected traffic50 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$83,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 166 over Merrill Canyon built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 166 over Merrill 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 166 over Merrill Canyon carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 166 over Merrill Canyon?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SH 166 over Merrill Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.