US Bridges

SH 173 over Dry Creek

Good

Medina County, Texas · 20.57 MI from Bandera C L · Structure no. 151630042108024

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,848
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Dry Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 173 over Dry 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 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 5,848 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,670 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesSH 173
CrossesDry Creek
Location20.57 MI from Bandera C L
RouteState Highway 173
StateTexas
Coordinates29.35885, -99.11654
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 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,848 (2020)
Projected traffic6,670 by 2033
Trucks8%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 173 over Dry Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 173 over Dry 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 Dry Creek carry?

About 5,848 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.