US Bridges

SH 16 over Nueces River

Fair

McMullen County, Texas · 10.65 MI S of SH 72 · Structure no. 151620051703016

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,047 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,342
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Nueces River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 16 over Nueces River in McMullen County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 85 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 5 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 1,342 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,879 by 2042. The structure is 1,047 ft (319.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesNueces River
Location10.65 MI S of SH 72
RouteState Highway 16
CountyMcMullen County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.30915, -98.55713
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+21 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,047 ft (319.1 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,342 (2023)
Projected traffic1,879 by 2042
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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 Nueces River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 16 over Nueces River 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 Nueces River carry?

About 1,342 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Nueces River?

The structure is 1,047 ft (319.1 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Nueces River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.