US Bridges

SH 123 over Dry Creek

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 0.1 MI S of Wilson CO L · Structure no. 161290036606025

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
350 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,836
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 123 over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 123 over Dry Creek in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1991, 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 3,836 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,700 by 2033. The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 123
CrossesDry Creek
Location0.1 MI S of Wilson CO L
RouteState Highway 123
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.0674, -97.93627
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+10 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length350 ft (106.7 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,836 (2020)
Projected traffic6,700 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$1.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 123 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is SH 123 over Dry 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 123 over Dry Creek carry?

About 3,836 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 123 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns SH 123 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.