US Bridges

US 57 over Palo Blanco Creek Relief

Fair

Zavala County, Texas · 0.3 MI E of Maverick C/L · Structure no. 222540027603070

Built
1967
58 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
54 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,997
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 57 over Palo Blanco Creek Relief is a concrete culvert carrying US 57 over Palo Blanco Creek Relief in Zavala County, Texas. It was built in 1967 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 58 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 2,997 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,590 by 2037. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 57
CrossesPalo Blanco Creek Relief
Location0.3 MI E of Maverick C/L
RouteU.S. Route 57
CountyZavala County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.92897, -100.10777
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to 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 spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.4 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,997 (2020)
Projected traffic4,590 by 2037
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 US 57 over Palo Blanco Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is US 57 over Palo Blanco Creek Relief 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 57 over Palo Blanco Creek Relief carry?

About 2,997 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 57 over Palo Blanco Creek Relief?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns US 57 over Palo Blanco Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.