US Bridges

SH 173 over Verde Creek

Fair

Medina County, Texas · 9.42 MI from Bandera C/L · Structure no. 151630042108028

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
243 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,853
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 173 over Verde Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 173 over Verde 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 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 1,853 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,705 by 2042. The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 173
CrossesVerde Creek
Location9.42 MI from Bandera C/L
RouteState Highway 173
CountyMedina County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.5017, -99.10875
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 spans8
Design loadOther
Structure length243 ft (74.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,853 (2023)
Projected traffic2,705 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 Verde Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 173 over Verde 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 Verde Creek carry?

About 1,853 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 173 over Verde Creek?

The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 173 over Verde Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.