US Bridges

SH 85 over Martin Branch

Good

Frio County, Texas · 4.40 MI NE of IH 35 · Structure no. 150830030106033

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
182 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,472
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 85 over Martin Branch is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 85 over Martin Branch 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 3,472 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,600 by 2033. The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 85
CrossesMartin Branch
Location4.40 MI NE of IH 35
RouteState Highway 85
CountyFrio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.67349, -99.11176
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length182 ft (55.5 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,472 (2019)
Projected traffic9,600 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 Martin Branch built?

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

What condition is SH 85 over Martin 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 Martin Branch carry?

About 3,472 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is SH 85 over Martin Branch?

The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 85 over Martin Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.