US Bridges

SH 163 over Sterling Creek

Good

Sterling County, Texas · 6.85 MI S of US 87 · Structure no. 072160164801003

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
351
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 163 over Sterling Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 163 over Sterling Creek in Sterling County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 351 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 671 by 2042. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 163
CrossesSterling Creek
Location6.85 MI S of US 87
RouteState Highway 163
CountySterling County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.74703, -101.03881
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 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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic351 (2023)
Projected traffic671 by 2042
Trucks45%
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 Sterling Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 163 over Sterling 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 163 over Sterling Creek carry?

About 351 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is SH 163 over Sterling Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SH 163 over Sterling Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.