US Bridges

IH 35 Efr over Black Creek

Fair

Frio County, Texas · 2.10 MI NE of FM 462 · Structure no. 150830001706059

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
315 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
130
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 35 Efr over Black Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 35 Efr over Black Creek in Frio County, Texas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 130 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 190 by 2033. The structure is 315 ft (96 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 35 Efr
CrossesBlack Creek
Location2.10 MI NE of FM 462
RouteInterstate 35
CountyFrio County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.07632, -98.97366
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadH 15
Structure length315 ft (96 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2013)
Projected traffic190 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$20,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 35 Efr over Black Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 35 Efr over Black 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does IH 35 Efr over Black Creek carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is IH 35 Efr over Black Creek?

The structure is 315 ft (96 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns IH 35 Efr over Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.