US Bridges

US 77 SB over Mission River

Fair

Refugio County, Texas · 0.40 MI SW of FM 774 · Structure no. 161960037103046

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,514 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,862
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77 SB over Mission River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 77 SB over Mission River in Refugio County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 7,862 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,849 by 2042. The structure is 1,514 ft (461.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 77 SB
CrossesMission River
Location0.40 MI SW of FM 774
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyRefugio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.29162, -97.28
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJune 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+43 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length1,514 ft (461.5 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,862 (2022)
Projected traffic10,849 by 2042
Trucks41%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$106,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 77 SB over Mission River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 77 SB over Mission 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 77 SB over Mission River carry?

About 7,862 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is US 77 SB over Mission River?

The structure is 1,514 ft (461.5 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 77 SB over Mission River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.