US Bridges

SH 163 over Colorado River

Fair

Mitchell County, Texas · 0.3 MI S of Bus 20 · Structure no. 081680033301001

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
490 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,088
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 163 over Colorado River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 163 over Colorado River in Mitchell County, Texas. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 1,088 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,570 by 2033. The structure is 490 ft (149.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 163
CrossesColorado River
Location0.3 MI S of Bus 20
RouteState Highway 163
CountyMitchell County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.3851, -100.86537
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length490 ft (149.4 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,088 (2020)
Projected traffic3,570 by 2033
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$319,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 163 over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 163 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 2023.

How much traffic does SH 163 over Colorado River carry?

About 1,088 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is SH 163 over Colorado River?

The structure is 490 ft (149.4 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SH 163 over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.