US Bridges

SH 85 over Salmon Branch

Good

Frio County, Texas · 5.30 MI W of IH 35 · Structure no. 150830030103017

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,396
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 85 over Salmon Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 85 over Salmon Branch in Frio County, Texas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 100 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 4,396 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,440 by 2033. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 85
CrossesSalmon Branch
Location5.30 MI W of IH 35
RouteState Highway 85
CountyFrio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.65895, -99.26855
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.5 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,396 (2020)
Projected traffic10,440 by 2033
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 SH 85 over Salmon Branch built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is SH 85 over Salmon 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 85 over Salmon Branch carry?

About 4,396 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is SH 85 over Salmon Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns SH 85 over Salmon Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.