IH 20 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Ector County, Texas · 3.10 MI E of FM 866 · Structure no. 060690000407075

Built: 1955; 70 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition: Good; inspected July 2024
Type: Culvert; Concrete
Length: 23 ft; 4 main spans
Daily traffic: 21,510; 2020 count
Owner: State; State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying IH 20 over Drainage Ditch in Ector County, Texas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 70 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 21,510 vehicles a day, roughly 62% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,400 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 161 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 20

CrossesDrainage Ditch

Location3.10 MI E of FM 866

RouteInterstate 20

CountyEctor County

StateTexas

Coordinates31.7798, -102.49268

Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

Component	Rating	Meaning
Channel and channel protection	7 Good	Some minor problems.
Culvert	7 Good	Some minor problems.

Last inspectionJuly 2024

Inspection intervalevery 24 months

Operating statusOpen, no restriction

ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing

Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is

Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria

Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria

Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria

Operating rating44 US tons

Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert

MaterialConcrete

DeckNot applicable

Main spans4

Design loadHS 20

Structure length23 ft (7 m)

Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)

Deck width161 ft (49.1 m)

Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)

Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,510 (2020)

Projected traffic19,400 by 2033

Trucks62%

Lanes on structure4

Traffic directionTwo-way traffic

CarriesHighway

CrossesWaterway

Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)

TollOn a free road

National Highway SystemYes

Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 IH 20 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is IH 20 over Drainage Ditch 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does IH 20 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 21,510 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 62% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 161 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.