US Bridges

SH 173 over Live Oak Creek

Fair

Frio County, Texas · 4.25 MI SE of FM 472 · Structure no. 150830042103005

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,112
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Live Oak Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 173 over Live Oak Creek in Frio County, Texas. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 87 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 3,112 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,510 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 173
CrossesLive Oak Creek
Location4.25 MI SE of FM 472
RouteState Highway 173
CountyFrio County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.04368, -98.81691
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,112 (2016)
Projected traffic4,510 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 173 over Live Oak Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is SH 173 over Live Oak 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 173 over Live Oak Creek carry?

About 3,112 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Live Oak Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Live Oak Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.