US Bridges

SH 29 over Willow Creek

Fair

Mason County, Texas · 7.00 MI E of US 87 · Structure no. 141570015001021

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
270 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
1,671
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 29 over Willow Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 29 over Willow Creek in Mason County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 86 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 1,671 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,630 by 2033. The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 29
CrossesWillow Creek
Location7.00 MI E of US 87
RouteState Highway 29
CountyMason County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.7385, -99.11717
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadH 15
Structure length270 ft (82.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,671 (2020)
Projected traffic1,630 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 29 over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is SH 29 over Willow 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 29 over Willow Creek carry?

About 1,671 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 29 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 29 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.