US Bridges

US 87 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Calhoun County, Texas · 1.75 MI W of SH 35 · Structure no. 130290014403030

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,778
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Drainage Ditch in Calhoun County, Texas. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 83 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 7,778 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,170 by 2033. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 104 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 87
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.75 MI W of SH 35
RouteU.S. Route 87
CountyCalhoun County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.61276, -96.67446
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 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
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 spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width104 ft (31.8 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,778 (2023)
Projected traffic8,170 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 87 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is US 87 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 87 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 7,778 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 104 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.