US Bridges

SH 6 SB over Lake Waco

Fair

McLennan County, Texas · 2.9 MI NW of US 84 · Structure no. 091610025809068

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
3,923 ft
53 main spans
Daily traffic
13,212
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 6 SB over Lake Waco is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 6 SB over Lake Waco in McLennan County, Texas. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 13,212 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,050 by 2037. The structure is 3,923 ft (1,195.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 6 SB
CrossesLake Waco
Location2.9 MI NW of US 84
RouteState Highway 6
CountyMcLennan County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.52925, -97.23337
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans53
Design loadH 20
Structure length3,923 ft (1,195.7 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,212 (2019)
Projected traffic17,050 by 2037
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$22 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 6 SB over Lake Waco built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 6 SB over Lake Waco 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SH 6 SB over Lake Waco carry?

About 13,212 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 6 SB over Lake Waco?

The structure is 3,923 ft (1,195.7 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SH 6 SB over Lake Waco?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.