US Bridges

SH 173 over Black Creek

Fair

Medina County, Texas · 13.31 MI SE of US 90 · Structure no. 151630042101010

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,069
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Black Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 173 over Black Creek in Medina County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 86 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 3,069 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,297 by 2042. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 173
CrossesBlack Creek
Location13.31 MI SE of US 90
RouteState Highway 173
CountyMedina County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.20472, -98.9869
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,069 (2023)
Projected traffic4,297 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 Black Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is SH 173 over Black 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 Black Creek carry?

About 3,069 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Black Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.