US Bridges

SH 173 over Hondo Creek

Fair

Medina County, Texas · 1.90 MI N of US 90 · Structure no. 151630042108023

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
516 ft
17 main spans
Daily traffic
3,009
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Hondo Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 173 over Hondo Creek in Medina County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 3,009 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,574 by 2042. The structure is 516 ft (157.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 173
CrossesHondo Creek
Location1.90 MI N of US 90
RouteState Highway 173
CountyMedina County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.37696, -99.11674
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans17
Design loadHS 20
Structure length516 ft (157.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,009 (2023)
Projected traffic4,574 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
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$1.4 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 173 over Hondo Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 173 over Hondo 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 Hondo Creek carry?

About 3,009 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Hondo Creek?

The structure is 516 ft (157.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Hondo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.