US Bridges

US 83 over Arroyo Chilpin

Fair

Zapata County, Texas · 10.7 MI N of FM 3169 · Structure no. 212530003802043

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,424
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 83 over Arroyo Chilpin is a concrete culvert carrying US 83 over Arroyo Chilpin in Zapata County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 86 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 4,424 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,490 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 64 mi (103 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 83
CrossesArroyo Chilpin
Location10.7 MI N of FM 3169
RouteU.S. Route 83
CountyZapata County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.19691, -99.42016
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.2 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,424 (2024)
Projected traffic6,490 by 2033
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed64 mi (103 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 US 83 over Arroyo Chilpin built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is US 83 over Arroyo Chilpin 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 83 over Arroyo Chilpin carry?

About 4,424 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 83 over Arroyo Chilpin?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns US 83 over Arroyo Chilpin?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.