US Bridges

SH 97 over Marcelinas Creek

Good

Wilson County, Texas · 6.75 MI NE of US 181 · Structure no. 152470032801002

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,177
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Marcelinas Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 97 over Marcelinas Creek in Wilson County, Texas. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1956, so it is 93 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 5,177 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,248 by 2042. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesSH 97
CrossesMarcelinas Creek
Location6.75 MI NE of US 181
RouteState Highway 97
StateTexas
Coordinates29.21153, -98.07679
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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,177 (2023)
Projected traffic7,248 by 2042
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 97 over Marcelinas Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is SH 97 over Marcelinas 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 97 over Marcelinas Creek carry?

About 5,177 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Marcelinas Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Marcelinas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.