US Bridges

FM 296 over Draw

Fair

Dallam County, Texas · 6.4 MI S of US 87 · Structure no. 040560114101006

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
125 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
230
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 296 over Draw is a concrete slab carrying FM 296 over Draw in Dallam County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 230 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2033. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 296
CrossesDraw
Location6.4 MI S of US 87
RouteState Highway 296
CountyDallam County
StateTexas
Coordinates36.29218, -103.04123
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic230 (2020)
Projected traffic180 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 FM 296 over Draw built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 296 over Draw 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does FM 296 over Draw carry?

About 230 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 296 over Draw?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 296 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.