US Bridges

SH 16 over Colorado River

Fair

Mills County, Texas · 0.00 MI N of San Saba C/L · Structure no. 231670028903040

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
1,205 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,189
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Colorado River is a steel truss - thru carrying SH 16 over Colorado River in Mills County, Texas. It was built in 1939, 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 1,189 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,735 by 2038. The structure is 1,205 ft (367.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesColorado River
Location0.00 MI N of San Saba C/L
RouteState Highway 16
CountyMills County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.35386, -98.67204
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+18 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,205 ft (367.3 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

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 closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$73,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 16 over Colorado River built?

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

What condition is SH 16 over Colorado 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Colorado River carry?

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

How long is SH 16 over Colorado River?

The structure is 1,205 ft (367.3 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.