US Bridges

SH 550 NB over Drainage Ditch #3

Good

Cameron County, Texas · 2.7 MI E of US 77 · Structure no. 210310068401246

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Other
Prestressed Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,400
2011 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

SH 550 NB over Drainage Ditch #3 is a prestressed concrete other carrying SH 550 NB 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 13,400 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,500 by 2031. 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

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CarriesSH 550 NB
CrossesDrainage Ditch #3
Location2.7 MI E of US 77
CountyCameron County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.02005, -97.4907
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry6: Equal to 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 (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,400 (2011)
Projected traffic21,500 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
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 NB over Drainage Ditch #3 built?

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

What condition is SH 550 NB 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 NB over Drainage Ditch #3 carry?

About 13,400 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 550 NB 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 NB over Drainage Ditch #3?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.