US Bridges

IH 45 Wfr over Draw

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 0.5 MI NW of FM 1183 · Structure no. 180710009205030

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1950
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
345
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 Wfr over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 Wfr over Draw in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1950, 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 5 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 345 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 380 by 2033. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 Wfr
CrossesDraw
Location0.5 MI NW of FM 1183
RouteState Highway 45
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.28956, -96.55248
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans8
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span4 ft (1.2 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic345 (2023)
Projected traffic380 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 IH 45 Wfr over Draw built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1950.

What condition is IH 45 Wfr 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does IH 45 Wfr over Draw carry?

About 345 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 Wfr over Draw?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 4 ft (1.2 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 Wfr over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.