US Bridges

SH 16 over Oatman Creek

Fair

Llano County, Texas · 4.30 MI S of SH 71 · Structure no. 141500029001002

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
86 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,333
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Oatman Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 16 over Oatman Creek in Llano County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1958, 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 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 2,333 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,750 by 2033. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.8 mi (85 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesOatman Creek
Location4.30 MI S of SH 71
RouteState Highway 16
CountyLlano County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.6787, -98.68963
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,333 (2020)
Projected traffic1,750 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.8 mi (85 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 16 over Oatman Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is SH 16 over Oatman 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Oatman Creek carry?

About 2,333 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Oatman Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Oatman Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.