US Bridges

SH 173 over Draw

Good

Medina County, Texas · 9.40 MI S of US 90 · Structure no. 151630042101017

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,815
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 173 over Draw in Medina County, Texas. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 2,815 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,030 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesSH 173
CrossesDraw
Location9.40 MI S of US 90
RouteState Highway 173
StateTexas
Coordinates29.24343, -99.03453
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,815 (2020)
Projected traffic2,030 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 173 over Draw built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 173 over Draw 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 Draw carry?

About 2,815 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Draw?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.