US Bridges

Valley Wells RD over Espio Creek

Fair

La Salle County, Texas · 6.1 MI SW of FM 468 · Structure no. 221420AA0039002

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
49 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
40
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Valley Wells RD over Espio Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Valley Wells RD over Espio Creek in La Salle County, Texas. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2035. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesValley Wells RD
CrossesEspio Creek
Location6.1 MI SW of FM 468
RouteCounty Highway 39
CountyLa Salle County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.45072, -99.36658
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2015)
Projected traffic60 by 2035
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$850,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Valley Wells RD over Espio Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Valley Wells RD over Espio 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Valley Wells RD over Espio Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Valley Wells RD over Espio Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Valley Wells RD over Espio Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.