US Bridges

US 57 over Frio River

Good

Frio County, Texas · 11.9 MI E of Zavala Cl · Structure no. 150830027607045

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
330 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,458
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 57 over Frio River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 57 over Frio River in Frio County, Texas. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1971, 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 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 7,458 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,690 by 2033. The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesUS 57
CrossesFrio River
Location11.9 MI E of Zavala Cl
RouteU.S. Route 57
StateTexas
Coordinates28.98288, -99.23573
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length330 ft (100.6 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,458 (2023)
Projected traffic4,690 by 2033
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 US 57 over Frio River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is US 57 over Frio River 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 57 over Frio River carry?

About 7,458 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is US 57 over Frio River?

The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 57 over Frio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.