US Bridges

SH 16 over North Prong Horse Creek

Fair

San Saba County, Texas · 2.60 MI S of Mills C/L · Structure no. 232060028904033

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,811
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over North Prong Horse Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 16 over North Prong Horse Creek in San Saba County, Texas. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 89 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 1,811 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,290 by 2033. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 16
CrossesNorth Prong Horse Creek
Location2.60 MI S of Mills C/L
RouteState Highway 16
CountySan Saba County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.3158, -98.67022
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,811 (2020)
Projected traffic2,290 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 16 over North Prong Horse Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 16 over North Prong Horse Creek 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SH 16 over North Prong Horse Creek carry?

About 1,811 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over North Prong Horse Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over North Prong Horse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.