US Bridges

SH 163 over Morgan Creek

Fair

Mitchell County, Texas · 2.8 MI S of FM 1229 · Structure no. 081680033301004

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
202 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,280
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 163 over Morgan Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 163 over Morgan Creek in Mitchell County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 76 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 1,280 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,790 by 2033. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 163
CrossesMorgan Creek
Location2.8 MI S of FM 1229
RouteState Highway 163
CountyMitchell County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.31608, -100.91794
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,280 (2013)
Projected traffic1,790 by 2033
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 163 over Morgan Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is SH 163 over Morgan 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 2023.

How much traffic does SH 163 over Morgan Creek carry?

About 1,280 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is SH 163 over Morgan Creek?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 163 over Morgan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.