US Bridges

SH 72 over Sulphur Creek

Fair

Live Oak County, Texas · 6.0 MI NE of IH 37 · Structure no. 161490027009023

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
350 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
3,574
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 72 over Sulphur Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 72 over Sulphur Creek in Live Oak County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1984, 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 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 3,574 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,004 by 2042. The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 72
CrossesSulphur Creek
Location6.0 MI NE of IH 37
RouteState Highway 72
CountyLive Oak County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.54393, -98.06781
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length350 ft (106.7 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,574 (2022)
Projected traffic5,004 by 2042
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 SH 72 over Sulphur Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is SH 72 over Sulphur 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 2024.

How much traffic does SH 72 over Sulphur Creek carry?

About 3,574 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is SH 72 over Sulphur Creek?

The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 72 over Sulphur Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.