US Bridges

SH 173 over Turkey Creek

Good

Medina County, Texas · 3.30 MI S of Bandera C/L · Structure no. 151630042108026

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,970
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Turkey Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 173 over Turkey Creek in Medina County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 1,970 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,220 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 173
CrossesTurkey Creek
Location3.30 MI S of Bandera C/L
RouteState Highway 173
CountyMedina County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.58004, -99.07969
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,970 (2020)
Projected traffic2,220 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 Turkey Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 173 over Turkey 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 Turkey Creek carry?

About 1,970 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Turkey Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Turkey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.