US Bridges

SH 163 over Dripping Spring Draw

Good

Sterling County, Texas · 11.7 MI S of US 87 · Structure no. 072160164802005

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
97 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
479
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 163 over Dripping Spring Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 163 over Dripping Spring Draw in Sterling County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 479 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 671 by 2042. The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 163
CrossesDripping Spring Draw
Location11.7 MI S of US 87
RouteState Highway 163
CountySterling County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.68103, -101.05971
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadOther
Structure length97 ft (29.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic479 (2022)
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 Dripping Spring Draw built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 163 over Dripping Spring Draw 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 Dripping Spring Draw carry?

About 479 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is SH 163 over Dripping Spring Draw?

The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 163 over Dripping Spring Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.