US Bridges

SH 85 over Frio River

Good

Frio County, Texas · 7.00 MI NE of IH 35 · Structure no. 150830030106031

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
460 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,295
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 85 over Frio River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 85 over Frio River 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 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 1,295 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,210 by 2033. The structure is 460 ft (140.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesSH 85
CrossesFrio River
Location7.00 MI NE of IH 35
RouteState Highway 85
StateTexas
Coordinates28.69218, -99.07585
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length460 ft (140.2 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,295 (2020)
Projected traffic6,210 by 2033
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Frio River built?

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

What condition is SH 85 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 SH 85 over Frio River carry?

About 1,295 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is SH 85 over Frio River?

The structure is 460 ft (140.2 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 85 over Frio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.