US Bridges

US 77 SB over Chocolate Swale

Fair

Refugio County, Texas · 7.00 MI SW of FM 2441 · Structure no. 161960037103085

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
110 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,286
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77 SB over Chocolate Swale is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 77 SB over Chocolate Swale in Refugio County, Texas. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 6,286 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,801 by 2042. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 77 SB
CrossesChocolate Swale
Location7.00 MI SW of FM 2441
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyRefugio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.16433, -97.39789
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,286 (2022)
Projected traffic8,801 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 77 SB over Chocolate Swale built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 77 SB over Chocolate Swale 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 77 SB over Chocolate Swale carry?

About 6,286 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is US 77 SB over Chocolate Swale?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 77 SB over Chocolate Swale?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.