US Bridges

SH 72 over San Antonio River

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 3.0 MI SW of FM 81 · Structure no. 161290027003014

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
529 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,491
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 72 over San Antonio River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 72 over San Antonio River in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 95 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 4,491 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,287 by 2042. The structure is 529 ft (161.2 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesSH 72
CrossesSan Antonio River
Location3.0 MI SW of FM 81
RouteState Highway 72
StateTexas
Coordinates28.84868, -97.73699
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+15 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length529 ft (161.2 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,491 (2022)
Projected traffic6,287 by 2042
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$1.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 72 over San Antonio River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 72 over San Antonio River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 72 over San Antonio River carry?

About 4,491 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is SH 72 over San Antonio River?

The structure is 529 ft (161.2 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns SH 72 over San Antonio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.