US Bridges

SH 72 over Panther Creek

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 3.40 MI E of US 181 · Structure no. 161290027007015

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,650
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 72 over Panther Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 72 over Panther Creek in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 88 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 6,650 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,960 by 2033. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 72
CrossesPanther Creek
Location3.40 MI E of US 181
RouteState Highway 72
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.7802, -97.89704
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,650 (2020)
Projected traffic11,960 by 2033
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Panther Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is SH 72 over Panther 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 72 over Panther Creek carry?

About 6,650 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is SH 72 over Panther Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SH 72 over Panther Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.