US Bridges

SH 16 over Leopard Creek

Good

McMullen County, Texas · 4.00 MI N of FM 624 · Structure no. 151620051703030

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
61 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Leopard Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 16 over Leopard Creek in McMullen County, Texas. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 77 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,400 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

CarriesSH 16
CrossesLeopard Creek
Location4.00 MI N of FM 624
RouteState Highway 16
StateTexas
Coordinates28.1924, -98.57487
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 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
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 spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length61 ft (18.6 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 traffic1,000 (2023)
Projected traffic1,400 by 2042
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure3
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 Leopard Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is SH 16 over Leopard Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Leopard Creek carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Leopard Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns SH 16 over Leopard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.