US Bridges

FM 973 over South Fork Dry Creek

Good

Travis County, Texas · 1.65 MI NE of US 183 · Structure no. 142270120005023

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
128 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,081
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 973 over South Fork Dry Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 973 over South Fork Dry Creek in Travis County, Texas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 7,081 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,530 by 2033. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesFM 973
CrossesSouth Fork Dry Creek
Location1.65 MI NE of US 183
RouteState Highway 973
StateTexas
Coordinates30.13515, -97.68072
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,081 (2023)
Projected traffic3,530 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 FM 973 over South Fork Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 973 over South Fork 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 973 over South Fork Dry Creek carry?

About 7,081 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 973 over South Fork Dry Creek?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 973 over South Fork Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.