US Bridges

SH 79 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Archer County, Texas · 1.2 MI S of SH 25 · Structure no. 030050028304011

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,211
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 1931 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 94 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 2,211 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,095 by 2040. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 79
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.2 MI S of SH 25
RouteState Highway 79
CountyArcher County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.57734, -98.62984
Functional classRural Minor 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 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 loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,211 (2020)
Projected traffic3,095 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

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 2,211 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 79 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 79 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.