US Bridges

SH 173 over Burnt Boot Creek

Good

Medina County, Texas · 19.53 MI S of US 90 · Structure no. 151630042101008

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
70 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
7,830
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Burnt Boot Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 173 over Burnt Boot Creek in Medina County, Texas. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1959, 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 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 7,830 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,970 by 2033. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 173
CrossesBurnt Boot Creek
Location19.53 MI S of US 90
RouteState Highway 173
CountyMedina County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.14334, -98.91129
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.4 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,830 (2020)
Projected traffic12,970 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$10,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 173 over Burnt Boot Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is SH 173 over Burnt Boot Creek 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SH 173 over Burnt Boot Creek carry?

About 7,830 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Burnt Boot Creek?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Burnt Boot Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.