US Bridges

SH 85 over Salmon Branch Overflow

Good

Frio County, Texas · 5.15 MI W of IH 35 · Structure no. 150830030103018

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,396
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 85 over Salmon Branch Overflow is a concrete culvert carrying SH 85 over Salmon Branch Overflow in Frio County, Texas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 2022, 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 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 85
CrossesSalmon Branch Overflow
Location5.15 MI W of IH 35
RouteState Highway 85
CountyFrio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.65856, -99.26614
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 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
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 Overflow built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is SH 85 over Salmon Branch Overflow 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 Overflow carry?

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

How long is SH 85 over Salmon Branch Overflow?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns SH 85 over Salmon Branch Overflow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.