US Bridges

RM 473 over Cypress Branch

Good

Blanco County, Texas · 2.6 MI E of US 281 · Structure no. 140160327801001

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
599
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RM 473 over Cypress Branch is a concrete culvert carrying RM 473 over Cypress Branch in Blanco County, Texas. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 54 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 599 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 590 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRM 473
CrossesCypress Branch
Location2.6 MI E of US 281
RouteState Highway 473
CountyBlanco County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.00183, -98.37054
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic599 (2020)
Projected traffic590 by 2033
Trucks23%
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 RM 473 over Cypress Branch built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is RM 473 over Cypress Branch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does RM 473 over Cypress Branch carry?

About 599 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is RM 473 over Cypress Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns RM 473 over Cypress Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.