US Bridges

SH 173 over Draw

Good

Bandera County, Texas · 4.5 MI N of FM 3240 · Structure no. 150100042106033

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
6,349
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 173 over Draw in Bandera County, Texas. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 62 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,349 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,260 by 2033. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesSH 173
CrossesDraw
Location4.5 MI N of FM 3240
RouteState Highway 173
StateTexas
Coordinates29.79227, -99.06629
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,349 (2020)
Projected traffic5,260 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 173 over Draw built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is SH 173 over Draw in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 173 over Draw carry?

About 6,349 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Draw?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.