US Bridges

SH 173 over Verde Creek

Fair

Kerr County, Texas · 0.1 MI N of FM 48O · Structure no. 151330042105038

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
260 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,002
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Verde Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 173 over Verde Creek in Kerr County, Texas. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 57 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 6,002 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,870 by 2033. The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 173
CrossesVerde Creek
Location0.1 MI N of FM 48O
RouteState Highway 173
CountyKerr County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.89281, -99.10556
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length260 ft (79.2 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,002 (2020)
Projected traffic4,870 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Verde Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is SH 173 over Verde 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 Verde Creek carry?

About 6,002 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Verde Creek?

The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Verde Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.