US Bridges

SH 70 over Sage Draw

Fair

Dickens County, Texas · 0.6 MI W of FM 3294 · Structure no. 250630010602036

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
393
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Sage Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 70 over Sage Draw in Dickens County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 90 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 393 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2033. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesSage Draw
Location0.6 MI W of FM 3294
RouteState Highway 70
CountyDickens County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.41933, -100.72614
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic393 (2020)
Projected traffic800 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$53,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 70 over Sage Draw built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is SH 70 over Sage 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SH 70 over Sage Draw carry?

About 393 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Sage Draw?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Sage Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.