US Bridges

IH 45 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 1.3 MI N of FM 879 · Structure no. 180710009204157

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
53,206
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 over Drainage Ditch in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 68 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 53,206 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 59,450 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long and 300 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 45
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.3 MI N of FM 879
RouteInterstate 45
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.39285, -96.65237
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width300 ft (91.4 m)
Roadway width148 ft (45.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic53,206 (2023)
Projected traffic59,450 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure10
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 45 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is IH 45 over Drainage Ditch 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does IH 45 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 53,206 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 300 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.