US Bridges

SH 72 over Sulphur Creek Draw

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 0.1 MI SW of FM 626 · Structure no. 161290027007019

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,226
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 72 over Sulphur Creek Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 72 over Sulphur Creek Draw in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 86 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 5,226 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,316 by 2042. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesSH 72
CrossesSulphur Creek Draw
Location0.1 MI SW of FM 626
RouteState Highway 72
StateTexas
Coordinates28.70192, -97.98981
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 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 geometry6: Equal to 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 typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.6 m)
Roadway width61 ft (18.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,226 (2022)
Projected traffic7,316 by 2042
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Sulphur Creek Draw built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is SH 72 over Sulphur Creek Draw 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 Sulphur Creek Draw carry?

About 5,226 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is SH 72 over Sulphur Creek Draw?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns SH 72 over Sulphur Creek Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.