US Bridges

SH 16 over Buffalo Creek

Good

San Saba County, Texas · 10.2 MI S of US 190 · Structure no. 232060028905017

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
171 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,606
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 16 over Buffalo Creek in San Saba County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 90 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 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location10.2 MI S of US 190
RouteState Highway 16
CountySan Saba County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.05639, -98.73068
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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 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 Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is SH 16 over Buffalo 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 Buffalo Creek carry?

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

How long is SH 16 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.