US Bridges

SH 97 over Borrego Creek

Fair

Wilson County, Texas · 1.20 MI E of FM 478 · Structure no. 152470032802022

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
105 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,308
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Borrego Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 97 over Borrego Creek in Wilson County, Texas. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 87 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 2,308 vehicles a day, roughly 46% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,062 by 2042. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 97
CrossesBorrego Creek
Location1.20 MI E of FM 478
RouteState Highway 97
CountyWilson County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.04272, -98.30834
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,308 (2023)
Projected traffic4,062 by 2042
Trucks46%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 Borrego Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is SH 97 over Borrego 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 97 over Borrego Creek carry?

About 2,308 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 46% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Borrego Creek?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Borrego Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.