US Bridges

SH 72 over San Antonio River Relief

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 2.75 MI SW of FM 81 · Structure no. 161290027003025

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
380 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
4,491
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 72 over San Antonio River Relief is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 72 over San Antonio River Relief in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 76 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 380 ft (115.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesSH 72
CrossesSan Antonio River Relief
Location2.75 MI SW of FM 81
RouteState Highway 72
StateTexas
Coordinates28.85083, -97.73392
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadUnknown
Structure length380 ft (115.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 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
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 72 over San Antonio River Relief built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 72 over San Antonio River Relief 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 Relief carry?

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

How long is SH 72 over San Antonio River Relief?

The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 72 over San Antonio River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.