US Bridges

SH 163 over North Concho River

Fair

Sterling County, Texas · 0.40 MI S of US 87 · Structure no. 072160164801001

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
410 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
598
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 163 over North Concho River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 163 over North Concho River in Sterling County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 598 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,520 by 2033. The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 163
CrossesNorth Concho River
Location0.40 MI S of US 87
RouteState Highway 163
CountySterling County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.8305, -100.9932
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+10 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length410 ft (125 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic598 (2023)
Projected traffic2,520 by 2033
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.1 mi (71 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 163 over North Concho River built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 163 over North Concho 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 163 over North Concho River carry?

About 598 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is SH 163 over North Concho River?

The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SH 163 over North Concho River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.