US Bridges

SH 39 over Bumble Bee Creek

Fair

Kerr County, Texas · 4.3 MI SW of SH 27 · Structure no. 151330019302003

Built
1946
79 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,214
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 39 over Bumble Bee Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 39 over Bumble Bee Creek in Kerr County, Texas. It was built in 1946 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 79 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 3,214 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,800 by 2033. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 39
CrossesBumble Bee Creek
Location4.3 MI SW of SH 27
RouteState Highway 39
CountyKerr County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.07037, -99.3014
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,214 (2023)
Projected traffic4,800 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$133,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 39 over Bumble Bee Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is SH 39 over Bumble Bee 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 39 over Bumble Bee Creek carry?

About 3,214 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 39 over Bumble Bee Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SH 39 over Bumble Bee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.