US Bridges

US 57 over Nueces River

Fair

Zavala County, Texas · 3.50 MI E of US 83 · Structure no. 222540027604081

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,760 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
4,335
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 57 over Nueces River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 57 over Nueces River in Zavala County, Texas. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 4,335 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,040 by 2033. The structure is 1,760 ft (536.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 57
CrossesNueces River
Location3.50 MI E of US 83
RouteU.S. Route 57
CountyZavala County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.93376, -99.79554
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 inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,760 ft (536.4 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,335 (2020)
Projected traffic6,040 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 Nueces River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 57 over Nueces River 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 2022.

How much traffic does US 57 over Nueces River carry?

About 4,335 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 57 over Nueces River?

The structure is 1,760 ft (536.4 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 57 over Nueces River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.