US Bridges

SH 16 over Oatman Creek

Good

Llano County, Texas · 5.60 MI S of SH 71 · Structure no. 141500029001015

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 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 concrete culvert carrying SH 16 over Oatman Creek in Llano County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 94 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,333 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,750 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.8 mi (85 km).

CarriesSH 16
CrossesOatman Creek
Location5.60 MI S of SH 71
RouteState Highway 16
StateTexas
Coordinates30.66126, -98.69936
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 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 1931, making it 94 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 good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. 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 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Oatman Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.