US Bridges

FM 471 over IH 35

Fair

Medina County, Texas · 9.46 MI NE of Frio C/L · Structure no. 151630001705205

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
241 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,414
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 471 over IH 35 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 471 over IH 35 in Medina County, Texas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 6,414 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,980 by 2042. The structure is 241 ft (73.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 471
CrossesIH 35
Location9.46 MI NE of Frio C/L
RouteState Highway 471
CountyMedina County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.18368, -98.84384
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length241 ft (73.5 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,414 (2023)
Projected traffic8,980 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 471 over IH 35 built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 471 over IH 35 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does FM 471 over IH 35 carry?

About 6,414 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 471 over IH 35?

The structure is 241 ft (73.5 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FM 471 over IH 35?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.