US Bridges

SH 97 over San Antonio River

Fair

Wilson County, Texas · 1.80 MI SW of Lp 181 · Structure no. 152470032802030

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
399 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,856
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over San Antonio River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 97 over San Antonio River in Wilson County, Texas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 84 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 399 ft (121.6 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 97
CrossesSan Antonio River
Location1.80 MI SW of Lp 181
RouteState Highway 97
CountyWilson County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.11038, -98.17381
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length399 ft (121.6 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width61 ft (18.7 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 San Antonio River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is SH 97 over San Antonio River 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 San Antonio River carry?

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

How long is SH 97 over San Antonio River?

The structure is 399 ft (121.6 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over San Antonio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.