US Bridges

FM 973 SB over Colorado River

Good

Travis County, Texas · 0.3 MI N of SH 71 · Structure no. 142270120003126

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
532 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
15,730
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 973 SB over Colorado River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 973 SB over Colorado River in Travis County, Texas. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 years old, younger 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 15,730 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,800 by 2027. The structure is 532 ft (162.2 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesFM 973 SB
CrossesColorado River
Location0.3 MI N of SH 71
RouteState Highway 973
StateTexas
Coordinates30.20807, -97.63848
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHL 93
Structure length532 ft (162.2 m)
Longest span112 ft (34.1 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width59 ft (18 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,730 (2019)
Projected traffic22,800 by 2027
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 973 SB over Colorado River built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 973 SB over Colorado River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FM 973 SB over Colorado River carry?

About 15,730 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 973 SB over Colorado River?

The structure is 532 ft (162.2 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34.1 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns FM 973 SB over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.