US Bridges

SH 16 over Willow Branch

Fair

Llano County, Texas · 1.00 MI S of RM 965 · Structure no. 141500029001017

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,822
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Willow Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 16 over Willow Branch in Llano County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1957, 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 1,822 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,460 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesWillow Branch
Location1.00 MI S of RM 965
RouteState Highway 16
CountyLlano County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.52889, -98.70758
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,822 (2020)
Projected traffic1,460 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 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 Willow Branch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is SH 16 over Willow 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Willow Branch carry?

About 1,822 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Willow Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Willow Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.