US Bridges

FM 170 over Terlingua Creek

Fair

Brewster County, Texas · 1.35 MI W of SH 118 · Structure no. 240220095710011

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
212 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,442
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 170 over Terlingua Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 170 over Terlingua Creek in Brewster 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 1,442 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,360 by 2033. The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 170
CrossesTerlingua Creek
Location1.35 MI W of SH 118
RouteState Highway 170
CountyBrewster County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.32734, -103.55356
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadOther
Structure length212 ft (64.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,442 (2020)
Projected traffic1,360 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 FM 170 over Terlingua Creek built?

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

What condition is FM 170 over Terlingua 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 170 over Terlingua Creek carry?

About 1,442 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is FM 170 over Terlingua Creek?

The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 170 over Terlingua Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.