US Bridges

SH 27 over Steel Creek

Fair

Kerr County, Texas · 0.1 MI S of FM 480 · Structure no. 151330014205022

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
115 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,411
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 27 over Steel Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 27 over Steel Creek in Kerr County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 94 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 5,411 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,250 by 2033. The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 27
CrossesSteel Creek
Location0.1 MI S of FM 480
RouteState Highway 27
CountyKerr County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.95026, -99.03608
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length115 ft (35.1 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,411 (2020)
Projected traffic6,250 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Steel Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is SH 27 over Steel 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 27 over Steel Creek carry?

About 5,411 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SH 27 over Steel Creek?

The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 27 over Steel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.