US Bridges

SH 16 over Salt Branch

Fair

McMullen County, Texas · 0.9 MI N of SH 72 W · Structure no. 151620051702059

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,179
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Salt Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 16 over Salt Branch in McMullen County, Texas. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 69 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 4,179 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,851 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.3 mi (89 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesSalt Branch
Location0.9 MI N of SH 72 W
RouteState Highway 16
CountyMcMullen County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.4858, -98.54885
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,179 (2022)
Projected traffic5,851 by 2042
Trucks21%
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 Salt Branch built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is SH 16 over Salt 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Salt Branch carry?

About 4,179 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Salt Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns SH 16 over Salt Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.