US Bridges

SH 550 SB FR over Drainage Ditch #3

Good

Cameron County, Texas · 2.7 MI E of US 77 · Structure no. 210310068401245

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Other
Prestressed Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,600
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 550 SB FR over Drainage Ditch #3 is a prestressed concrete other carrying SH 550 SB FR over Drainage Ditch #3 in Cameron County, Texas. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 years old, younger 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 2,600 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,600 by 2037. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 550 SB FR
CrossesDrainage Ditch #3
Location2.7 MI E of US 77
RouteState Highway 550
CountyCameron County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.01934, -97.49093
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,600 (2017)
Projected traffic2,600 by 2037
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 550 SB FR over Drainage Ditch #3 built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 550 SB FR over Drainage Ditch #3 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SH 550 SB FR over Drainage Ditch #3 carry?

About 2,600 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 550 SB FR over Drainage Ditch #3?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SH 550 SB FR over Drainage Ditch #3?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.