US Bridges

SH 188 over Copano Bay West Relief

Fair

San Patricio County, Texas · 2.2 MI NW of FM 136 · Structure no. 162050050703024

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Other
Prestressed Concrete
Length
100 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,775
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 188 over Copano Bay West Relief is a prestressed concrete other carrying SH 188 over Copano Bay West Relief in San Patricio County, Texas. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 2,775 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,328 by 2042. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesSH 188
CrossesCopano Bay West Relief
Location2.2 MI NW of FM 136
RouteState Highway 188
StateTexas
Coordinates28.04442, -97.27223
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,775 (2022)
Projected traffic5,328 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 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 SH 188 over Copano Bay West Relief built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 188 over Copano Bay West Relief 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 188 over Copano Bay West Relief carry?

About 2,775 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SH 188 over Copano Bay West Relief?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 188 over Copano Bay West Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.