US Bridges

SH 234 over IH 37 Wfr

Fair

San Patricio County, Texas · 0.1 MI W of IH 37 · Structure no. 162050007405038

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
156 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
826
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 234 over IH 37 Wfr is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 234 over IH 37 Wfr in San Patricio County, Texas. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 826 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,025 by 2042. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 234
CrossesIH 37 Wfr
Location0.1 MI W of IH 37
RouteState Highway 234
CountySan Patricio County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.97295, -97.67218
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic826 (2024)
Projected traffic1,025 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$9,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 234 over IH 37 Wfr built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 234 over IH 37 Wfr 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 2024.

How much traffic does SH 234 over IH 37 Wfr carry?

About 826 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 234 over IH 37 Wfr?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SH 234 over IH 37 Wfr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.