US Bridges

SH 16 over Arroyo Veleno

Fair

Zapata County, Texas · 8.1 MI NE of US 83 · Structure no. 212530051707106

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
390 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
536
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 16 over Arroyo Veleno is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying SH 16 over Arroyo Veleno in Zapata County, Texas. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 536 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,280 by 2033. The structure is 390 ft (118.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 16
CrossesArroyo Veleno
Location8.1 MI NE of US 83
RouteState Highway 16
CountyZapata County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.97477, -99.16076
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length390 ft (118.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic536 (2024)
Projected traffic1,280 by 2033
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 16 over Arroyo Veleno built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 16 over Arroyo Veleno 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 SH 16 over Arroyo Veleno carry?

About 536 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is SH 16 over Arroyo Veleno?

The structure is 390 ft (118.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 16 over Arroyo Veleno?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.