US Bridges

IH 37 over Merriman Hollow

Fair

Live Oak County, Texas · 1.8 MI S of FM 99 · Structure no. 161490007307220

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
23,005
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 37 over Merriman Hollow is a concrete culvert carrying IH 37 over Merriman Hollow in Live Oak County, Texas. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 23,005 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,740 by 2033. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 37
CrossesMerriman Hollow
Location1.8 MI S of FM 99
RouteInterstate 37
CountyLive Oak County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.64156, -98.23775
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,005 (2020)
Projected traffic34,740 by 2033
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$190,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 37 over Merriman Hollow built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 37 over Merriman Hollow 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 2024.

How much traffic does IH 37 over Merriman Hollow carry?

About 23,005 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is IH 37 over Merriman Hollow?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns IH 37 over Merriman Hollow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.