US Bridges

SH 173 over Bandera Creek

Fair

Bandera County, Texas · 1.5 MI N of FM 3240 · Structure no. 150100042106034

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
200 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,250
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Bandera Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 173 over Bandera Creek in Bandera County, Texas. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1990, 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 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 7,250 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,560 by 2033. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 173
CrossesBandera Creek
Location1.5 MI N of FM 3240
RouteState Highway 173
CountyBandera County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.75506, -99.06773
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,250 (2020)
Projected traffic6,560 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Bandera Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is SH 173 over Bandera 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 173 over Bandera Creek carry?

About 7,250 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Bandera Creek?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Bandera Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.