US Bridges

SH 97 over Esperanza Creek

Fair

McMullen County, Texas · 3.00 MI N of SH 72 · Structure no. 151620032807039

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
121 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,852
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Esperanza Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 97 over Esperanza Creek in McMullen County, Texas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 70 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 1,852 vehicles a day, roughly 46% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,593 by 2042. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 97
CrossesEsperanza Creek
Location3.00 MI N of SH 72
RouteState Highway 97
CountyMcMullen County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.54067, -98.79467
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,852 (2022)
Projected traffic2,593 by 2042
Trucks46%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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 97 over Esperanza Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is SH 97 over Esperanza 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 97 over Esperanza Creek carry?

About 1,852 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 46% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Esperanza Creek?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Esperanza Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.