US Bridges

FM 3169 over Arroyo Blancas

Good

Zapata County, Texas · Appx 9.8 MI NE of US 83 · Structure no. 212530309903004

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
218
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 3169 over Arroyo Blancas is a concrete culvert carrying FM 3169 over Arroyo Blancas in Zapata County, Texas. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 218 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 580 by 2031. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesFM 3169
CrossesArroyo Blancas
LocationAppx 9.8 MI NE of US 83
RouteState Highway 3169
StateTexas
Coordinates27.11929, -99.30826
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic218 (2024)
Projected traffic580 by 2031
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 3169 over Arroyo Blancas built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 3169 over Arroyo Blancas 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 3169 over Arroyo Blancas carry?

About 218 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is FM 3169 over Arroyo Blancas?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns FM 3169 over Arroyo Blancas?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.