US Bridges

SH 97 over Picosa Creek

Fair

Wilson County, Texas · 1.80 MI NE of FM 1344 · Structure no. 152470032802029

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
202 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,856
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Picosa Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 97 over Picosa Creek in Wilson County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 85 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 4,856 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,798 by 2042. The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 97
CrossesPicosa Creek
Location1.80 MI NE of FM 1344
RouteState Highway 97
CountyWilson County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.10466, -98.18008
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length202 ft (61.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 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 traffic4,856 (2023)
Projected traffic6,798 by 2042
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Picosa Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is SH 97 over Picosa 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 Picosa Creek carry?

About 4,856 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Picosa Creek?

The structure is 202 ft (61.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Picosa Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.