US Bridges

SH 163 over Wild Horse Creek

Fair

Mitchell County, Texas · 1.6 MI NE of FM 670 · Structure no. 081680033301008

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
150 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
580
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 163 over Wild Horse Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 163 over Wild Horse Creek in Mitchell County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 580 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 810 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 163
CrossesWild Horse Creek
Location1.6 MI NE of FM 670
RouteState Highway 163
CountyMitchell County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.24868, -100.97123
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic580 (2013)
Projected traffic810 by 2033
Trucks32%
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 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 Wild Horse Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 163 over Wild Horse 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 Wild Horse Creek carry?

About 580 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is SH 163 over Wild Horse Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SH 163 over Wild Horse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.