US Bridges

SH 44 over Black Creek

Fair

Webb County, Texas · 29.2 MI E of IH 35 · Structure no. 222400023703034

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
220 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,444
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 44 over Black Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 44 over Black Creek in Webb 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 1,444 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,490 by 2038. The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 44
CrossesBlack Creek
Location29.2 MI E of IH 35
RouteState Highway 44
CountyWebb County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.94197, -98.87975
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 20
Structure length220 ft (67.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,444 (2020)
Projected traffic4,490 by 2038
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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 44 over Black Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 44 over Black Creek 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does SH 44 over Black Creek carry?

About 1,444 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SH 44 over Black Creek?

The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SH 44 over Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.