US Bridges

US 287 Ml & FR over Drain

Good

Ellis County, Texas · 0.4 MI NW of IH 35E · Structure no. 180710017205118

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
36,017
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 287 Ml & FR over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying US 287 Ml & FR over Drain in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 36,017 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,900 by 2033. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 287 Ml & FR
CrossesDrain
Location0.4 MI NW of IH 35E
RouteU.S. Route 287
StateTexas
Coordinates32.42981, -96.86965
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36,017 (2023)
Projected traffic28,900 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 287 Ml & FR over Drain built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 287 Ml & FR over Drain 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 287 Ml & FR over Drain carry?

About 36,017 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 287 Ml & FR over Drain?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US 287 Ml & FR over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.