US Bridges

SH 146 over Menard Creek

Fair

Liberty County, Texas · 2.9 MI N of FM 787 · Structure no. 201460038802018

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
465 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,809
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 146 over Menard Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 146 over Menard Creek in Liberty County, Texas. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 77 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.

It carries about 2,809 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,933 by 2042. The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 146
CrossesMenard Creek
Location2.9 MI N of FM 787
RouteState Highway 146
CountyLiberty County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.48143, -94.77958
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length465 ft (141.7 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width49 ft (14.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,809 (2022)
Projected traffic3,933 by 2042
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$58,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 146 over Menard Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is SH 146 over Menard 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 146 over Menard Creek carry?

About 2,809 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is SH 146 over Menard Creek?

The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 146 over Menard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.