US Bridges

SH 27 over Dry Branch

Fair

Kerr County, Texas · 0.4 MI SE of FM 479 · Structure no. 151330014203008

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
143 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,052
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 27 over Dry Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 27 over Dry Branch in Kerr County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 91 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 5 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 2,052 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,980 by 2033. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 27
CrossesDry Branch
Location0.4 MI SE of FM 479
RouteState Highway 27
CountyKerr County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.13651, -99.31563
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: 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 rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,052 (2020)
Projected traffic1,980 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 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 27 over Dry Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is SH 27 over Dry 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 27 over Dry Branch carry?

About 2,052 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is SH 27 over Dry Branch?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SH 27 over Dry Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.