US Bridges

SH 79 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Archer County, Texas · 1.0 MI SW of FM 2380 · Structure no. 030050028302003

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,330
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 79 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 79 over Drainage Ditch in Archer County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 96 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 8,330 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,662 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 79
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.0 MI SW of FM 2380
RouteState Highway 79
CountyArcher County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.82193, -98.53765
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,330 (2020)
Projected traffic11,662 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 SH 79 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is SH 79 over Drainage Ditch 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SH 79 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 8,330 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 79 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 79 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.