US Bridges

SH 97 over Frio River

Good

La Salle County, Texas · 1.60 MI S of SH 72 · Structure no. 221420032808247

Built
2018
7 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
340 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
7,839
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Frio River is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SH 97 over Frio River in La Salle County, Texas. It was built in 2018, so it is 7 years old, younger 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 7,839 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,970 by 2033. The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesSH 97
CrossesFrio River
Location1.60 MI S of SH 72
RouteState Highway 97
StateTexas
Coordinates28.47218, -98.80479
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7 (+1 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length340 ft (103.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,839 (2013)
Projected traffic10,970 by 2033
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 97 over Frio River built?

It was built in 2018, making it 7 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 97 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SH 97 over Frio River carry?

About 7,839 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Frio River?

The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns SH 97 over Frio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.