US Bridges

US 77 over Lavaca River

Fair

Lavaca County, Texas · 0.85 MI W of FM 530 · Structure no. 131430026902007

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
299 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,949
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77 over Lavaca River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 77 over Lavaca River in Lavaca County, Texas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 100 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 14,949 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,929 by 2041. The structure is 299 ft (91.1 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 77
CrossesLavaca River
Location0.85 MI W of FM 530
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyLavaca County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.4435, -96.94506
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+7 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length299 ft (91.1 m)
Longest span103 ft (31.4 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,949 (2021)
Projected traffic20,929 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$29,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 77 over Lavaca River built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US 77 over Lavaca River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 77 over Lavaca River carry?

About 14,949 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 77 over Lavaca River?

The structure is 299 ft (91.1 m) long with a longest span of 103 ft (31.4 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US 77 over Lavaca River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.