US Bridges

SH 16 over Frio River

Poor

McMullen County, Texas · 0.25 MI S of SH 72 West · Structure no. 151620051702022

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
681 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,109
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Frio River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 16 over Frio River in McMullen County, Texas. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 71 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5,109 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,153 by 2042. The structure is 681 ft (207.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.3 mi (89 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesFrio River
Location0.25 MI S of SH 72 West
RouteState Highway 16
CountyMcMullen County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.46681, -98.5475
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+9 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length681 ft (207.6 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,109 (2023)
Projected traffic7,153 by 2042
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.3 mi (89 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 Frio River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is SH 16 over Frio River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Frio River carry?

About 5,109 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Frio River?

The structure is 681 ft (207.6 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Frio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.