US Bridges

US 59 over Draw

Fair

Bee County, Texas · 5.2 MI NE of US 181 · Structure no. 160130008801023

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,873
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 over Draw in Bee County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 76 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 3,873 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,900 by 2033. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesDraw
Location5.2 MI NE of US 181
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateTexas
Coordinates28.46714, -97.67742
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,873 (2020)
Projected traffic7,900 by 2033
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$260,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over Draw built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is US 59 over Draw 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Draw carry?

About 3,873 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Draw?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.