US Bridges

SH 164 over Watson Branch

Fair

Limestone County, Texas · 1.40 MI W of FM 339 · Structure no. 091470041302007

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,171
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 164 over Watson Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 164 over Watson Branch in Limestone County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 88 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 3,171 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,190 by 2038. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 164
CrossesWatson Branch
Location1.40 MI W of FM 339
RouteState Highway 164
CountyLimestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.54555, -96.75195
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionNovember 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,171 (2023)
Projected traffic4,190 by 2038
Trucks25%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$600,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 164 over Watson Branch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is SH 164 over Watson Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does SH 164 over Watson Branch carry?

About 3,171 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is SH 164 over Watson Branch?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 164 over Watson Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.