US Bridges

SH 16 over Prescott Creek

Fair

Mills County, Texas · 2.05 MI NE of San Saba Cl · Structure no. 231670028903007

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
143 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,189
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Prescott Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 16 over Prescott Creek in Mills County, Texas. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 89 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 1,189 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,735 by 2038. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesPrescott Creek
Location2.05 MI NE of San Saba Cl
RouteState Highway 16
CountyMills County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.37864, -98.65953
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,189 (2020)
Projected traffic1,735 by 2038
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 Prescott Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is SH 16 over Prescott 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Prescott Creek carry?

About 1,189 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Prescott Creek?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Prescott Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.