US Bridges

SH 85 over Mule Creek

Fair

Frio County, Texas · 1.3 MI SW of FM 1582 · Structure no. 150830030106027

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
61 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
2,576
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 85 over Mule Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 85 over Mule Creek in Frio County, Texas. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 2,576 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,340 by 2033. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 85
CrossesMule Creek
Location1.3 MI SW of FM 1582
RouteState Highway 85
CountyFrio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.75832, -99.00102
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width85 ft (26 m)
Roadway width83 ft (25.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,576 (2020)
Projected traffic6,340 by 2033
Trucks29%
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 SH 85 over Mule Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 85 over Mule 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 SH 85 over Mule Creek carry?

About 2,576 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is SH 85 over Mule Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns SH 85 over Mule Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.