SH 16 over Elm Creek

Good

San Saba County, Texas · 5.4 MI S of US 190 · Structure no. 232060028905015

Built: 1934; 91 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition: Good; inspected October 2023
Type: Tee Beam; Concrete
Length: 57 ft; 2 main spans
Daily traffic: 1,606; 2020 count
Owner: State; State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Elm Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 16 over Elm Creek in San Saba County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 91 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,606 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,440 by 2033. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 16

CrossesElm Creek

Location5.4 MI S of US 190

RouteState Highway 16

CountySan Saba County

StateTexas

Coordinates31.12424, -98.73944

Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

Component	Rating	Meaning
Deck	8 Very Good	No problems noted.
Superstructure	7 Good	Some minor problems.
Substructure	7 Good	Some minor problems.
Channel and channel protection	7 Good	Some minor problems.

Last inspectionOctober 2023

Inspection intervalevery 24 months

Operating statusOpen, no restriction

ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing

Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria

Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria

Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria

Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria

Operating rating62.9 US tons

Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam

MaterialConcrete

DeckConcrete, cast-in-place

Main spans2

Design loadH 15

Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)

Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)

Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)

Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)

Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,606 (2020)

Projected traffic1,440 by 2033

Trucks10%

Lanes on structure2

Traffic directionTwo-way traffic

CarriesHighway

CrossesWaterway

Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 Elm Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is SH 16 over Elm Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does SH 16 over Elm Creek carry?

About 1,606 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Elm Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Elm Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.