US Bridges

SH 16 over San Saba River

Fair

San Saba County, Texas · 1.20 MI N of US 190 · Structure no. 232060028904048

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
472 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,805
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over San Saba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 16 over San Saba River in San Saba County, Texas. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 72 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 2,805 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,630 by 2033. The structure is 472 ft (143.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesSan Saba River
Location1.20 MI N of US 190
RouteState Highway 16
CountySan Saba County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.21316, -98.71981
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length472 ft (143.9 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,805 (2023)
Projected traffic3,630 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 San Saba River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is SH 16 over San Saba 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SH 16 over San Saba River carry?

About 2,805 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over San Saba River?

The structure is 472 ft (143.9 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over San Saba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.