US Bridges

SH 80 over Dees Branch

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 2.9 MI S of SH 119 · Structure no. 161290034803006

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1974
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,528
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 80 over Dees Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 80 over Dees Branch in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1974, 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 2,528 vehicles a day, roughly 50% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,539 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 80
CrossesDees Branch
Location2.9 MI S of SH 119
RouteState Highway 80
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.08978, -97.78754
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
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 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 typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width85 ft (26 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,528 (2022)
Projected traffic3,539 by 2042
Trucks50%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$236,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 80 over Dees Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1974.

What condition is SH 80 over Dees Branch 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 80 over Dees Branch carry?

About 2,528 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 50% are trucks.

How long is SH 80 over Dees Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns SH 80 over Dees Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.