US Bridges

SH 173 over Francisco Creek

Fair

Medina County, Texas · 17.36 MI S of US 90 · Structure no. 151630042101007

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
175 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,165
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Francisco Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 173 over Francisco Creek in Medina County, Texas. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 87 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 4,165 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,831 by 2042. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 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
CrossesFrancisco Creek
Location17.36 MI S of US 90
RouteState Highway 173
CountyMedina County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.16474, -98.9377
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations on dry land well above flood water elevations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,165 (2023)
Projected traffic5,831 by 2042
Trucks11%
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 Francisco Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is SH 173 over Francisco 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SH 173 over Francisco Creek carry?

About 4,165 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Francisco Creek?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Francisco Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.