US Bridges

SH 138 over S Salado Creek

Fair

Williamson County, Texas · 0.30 MI W of SH 195 · Structure no. 142460044001004

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,170
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 138 over S Salado Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 138 over S Salado Creek in Williamson County, Texas. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 102 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 4,170 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,299 by 2039. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.9 mi (61 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 138
CrossesS Salado Creek
Location0.30 MI W of SH 195
RouteState Highway 138
CountyWilliamson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.85204, -97.80558
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,170 (2020)
Projected traffic6,299 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.9 mi (61 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 138 over S Salado Creek built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is SH 138 over S Salado 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 138 over S Salado Creek carry?

About 4,170 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 138 over S Salado Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 138 over S Salado Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.