US Bridges

SH 97 over Frio River Relief

Good

La Salle County, Texas · 1.25 MI S of SH 72 · Structure no. 221420032808248

Built
2018
7 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
190 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,413
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 97 over Frio River Relief is a prestressed concrete slab carrying SH 97 over Frio River Relief 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 4,413 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,180 by 2036. The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesSH 97
CrossesFrio River Relief
Location1.25 MI S of SH 72
RouteState Highway 97
StateTexas
Coordinates28.47725, -98.80403
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 spans4
Design loadHL 93
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,413 (2016)
Projected traffic6,180 by 2036
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 Relief built?

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

What condition is SH 97 over Frio River Relief 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 Relief carry?

About 4,413 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SH 97 over Frio River Relief?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 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 Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.