US Bridges

US 385 over Ben West Draw

Good

Brewster County, Texas · 33.9 MI S of US 90 · Structure no. 240220048502014

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
177
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 385 over Ben West Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 385 over Ben West Draw in Brewster County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 177 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 130 by 2033. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 65.9 mi (106 km).

CarriesUS 385
CrossesBen West Draw
Location33.9 MI S of US 90
RouteU.S. Route 385
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76342, -103.16314
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic177 (2020)
Projected traffic130 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed65.9 mi (106 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 385 over Ben West Draw built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 385 over Ben West Draw 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 385 over Ben West Draw carry?

About 177 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 385 over Ben West Draw?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 385 over Ben West Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.