US Bridges

SH 16 over Brazos River

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 1.8 MI S of FM 2353 · Structure no. 021820036202003

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
433 ft
18 main spans
Daily traffic
46
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Brazos River is a masonry arch - deck carrying SH 16 over Brazos River in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 46 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 950 by 2033. The structure is 433 ft (132 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesBrazos River
Location1.8 MI S of FM 2353
RouteState Highway 16
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.85814, -98.4121
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionMarch 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 adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans18
Design loadUnknown
Structure length433 ft (132 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46 (2022)
Projected traffic950 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 16 over Brazos River built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 16 over Brazos 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Brazos River carry?

About 46 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Brazos River?

The structure is 433 ft (132 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Brazos River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.