US Bridges

FM 523 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Brazoria County, Texas · 0.80 MI SE of FM 2004 · Structure no. 120200100301008

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,051
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 523 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 523 over Drainage Ditch in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 73 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,051 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,310 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 523
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.80 MI SE of FM 2004
RouteState Highway 523
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.11031, -95.37239
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,051 (2020)
Projected traffic7,310 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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 FM 523 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is FM 523 over Drainage Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 523 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 6,051 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 523 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns FM 523 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.