US Bridges

SH 79 over Drain

Good

Clay County, Texas · 2.4 MI SW of Okla ST LN · Structure no. 030390028202003

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,508
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 79 over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying SH 79 over Drain in Clay County, Texas. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 87 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 1,508 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,900 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

CarriesSH 79
CrossesDrain
Location2.4 MI SW of Okla ST LN
RouteState Highway 79
StateTexas
Coordinates34.11249, -98.14202
Functional classRural 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 inspectionApril 2024
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 spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width59 ft (18.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,508 (2014)
Projected traffic1,900 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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 SH 79 over Drain built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is SH 79 over Drain 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 2024.

How much traffic does SH 79 over Drain carry?

About 1,508 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is SH 79 over Drain?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns SH 79 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.