US Bridges

FM 472 over Smith Branch

Fair

Frio County, Texas · 0.85 MI S of SH 173 · Structure no. 150830084904004

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
855
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 472 over Smith Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 472 over Smith Branch in Frio County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 85 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 855 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,060 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 472
CrossesSmith Branch
Location0.85 MI S of SH 173
RouteState Highway 472
CountyFrio County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.07816, -98.86429
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 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic855 (2020)
Projected traffic1,060 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 472 over Smith Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is FM 472 over Smith Branch 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 FM 472 over Smith Branch carry?

About 855 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 472 over Smith Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 472 over Smith Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.