US Bridges

US 90A over Ponton Creek

Fair

Lavaca County, Texas · 2.39 MI E of FM 531 · Structure no. 131430044502016

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
300 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,980
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 90A over Ponton Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 90A over Ponton Creek in Lavaca County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 86 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 2,980 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,180 by 2033. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 90A
CrossesPonton Creek
Location2.39 MI E of FM 531
RouteU.S. Route 90
CountyLavaca County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.42916, -97.07942
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+6 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,980 (2013)
Projected traffic4,180 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 US 90A over Ponton Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is US 90A over Ponton 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does US 90A over Ponton Creek carry?

About 2,980 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 90A over Ponton Creek?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 90A over Ponton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.