US Bridges

FM 85 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Ellis County, Texas · 2.3 MI E of FM 3413 · Structure no. 180710105001003

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,259
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 85 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 85 over Drainage Ditch in Ellis County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 76 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 2,259 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,650 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 85
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location2.3 MI E of FM 3413
RouteState Highway 85
CountyEllis County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.32033, -96.54768
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 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; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,259 (2020)
Projected traffic2,650 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 FM 85 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is FM 85 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 FM 85 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 2,259 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 85 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns FM 85 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.