SH 34 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Ellis County, Texas · 0.15 MI SW of US 287 · Structure no. 180710056801019

Built: 1955; 70 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition: Good; inspected September 2023
Type: Culvert; Concrete
Length: 23 ft; 3 main spans
Daily traffic: 7,854; 2023 count
Owner: State; State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 34 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 34 over Drainage Ditch in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1971, 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 7,854 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,700 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 34

CrossesDrainage Ditch

Location0.15 MI SW of US 287

RouteState Highway 34

CountyEllis County

StateTexas

Coordinates32.29915, -96.64155

Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionSeptember 2023

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 spans3

Design loadHS 20

Structure length23 ft (7 m)

Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)

Deck width0 ft (0 m)

Roadway width0 ft (0 m)

Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,854 (2023)

Projected traffic6,700 by 2033

Trucks24%

Lanes on structure2

Traffic directionTwo-way traffic

CarriesHighway

CrossesWaterway

Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 SH 34 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is SH 34 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SH 34 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 7,854 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SH 34 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns SH 34 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.