US Bridges

SH 72 over Leoncita Creek

Fair

McMullen County, Texas · 0.24 MI W of SH 16 · Structure no. 151620048302041

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
152 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,281
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 72 over Leoncita Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 72 over Leoncita Creek in McMullen County, Texas. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 67 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 2,281 vehicles a day, roughly 55% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,860 by 2042. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 72
CrossesLeoncita Creek
Location0.24 MI W of SH 16
RouteState Highway 72
CountyMcMullen County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.47043, -98.55172
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,281 (2023)
Projected traffic2,860 by 2042
Trucks55%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 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 72 over Leoncita Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 72 over Leoncita 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 72 over Leoncita Creek carry?

About 2,281 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 55% are trucks.

How long is SH 72 over Leoncita Creek?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 72 over Leoncita Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.