US Bridges

FM 470 over Medina River

Fair

Bandera County, Texas · 0.1 MI W of SH 16 · Structure no. 150100079204003

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
125 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,226
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 470 over Medina River is a concrete slab carrying FM 470 over Medina River in Bandera County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,226 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,670 by 2033. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 470
CrossesMedina River
Location0.1 MI W of SH 16
RouteState Highway 470
CountyBandera County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.73327, -99.11453
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,226 (2023)
Projected traffic1,670 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$8,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 470 over Medina River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 470 over Medina 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM 470 over Medina River carry?

About 1,226 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 470 over Medina River?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 470 over Medina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.