US Bridges

SH 46 over Draw

Good

Comal County, Texas · 5.1 MI E of Sun Valley DR · Structure no. 150460021501226

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,396
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 46 over Draw is a steel culvert carrying SH 46 over Draw in Comal County, Texas. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 65 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 9,396 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,800 by 2035. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesSH 46
CrossesDraw
Location5.1 MI E of Sun Valley DR
RouteState Highway 46
StateTexas
Coordinates29.77919, -98.31611
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,396 (2020)
Projected traffic9,800 by 2035
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 SH 46 over Draw built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is SH 46 over 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 46 over Draw carry?

About 9,396 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 46 over Draw?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns SH 46 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.