US Bridges

SH 20 over Fabens Drain

Fair

El Paso County, Texas · 0.3 MI NW of FM 76 · Structure no. 240720000202007

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
46 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
5,430
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 20 over Fabens Drain is a concrete culvert carrying SH 20 over Fabens Drain in El Paso County, Texas. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 5,430 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,610 by 2033. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 44 ft wide.

CarriesSH 20
CrossesFabens Drain
Location0.3 MI NW of FM 76
RouteState Highway 20
StateTexas
Coordinates31.50624, -106.16201
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 inspectionJune 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
Deck geometry5: 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span4 ft (1.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,430 (2013)
Projected traffic7,610 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 20 over Fabens Drain built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 20 over Fabens Drain 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 20 over Fabens Drain carry?

About 5,430 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 20 over Fabens Drain?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 4 ft (1.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 20 over Fabens Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.