US Bridges

Bu 54 WB over Drain

Fair

El Paso County, Texas · 1.50 MI N of FM 2529 · Structure no. 240720016702008

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
172 ft
20 main spans
Daily traffic
6,760
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 54 WB over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying Bu 54 WB over Drain in El Paso County, Texas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 6,760 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,470 by 2037. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesBu 54 WB
CrossesDrain
Location1.50 MI N of FM 2529
RouteState Highway 54
StateTexas
Coordinates31.92221, -106.39366
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 spans20
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,760 (2017)
Projected traffic9,470 by 2037
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$14,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 54 WB over Drain built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bu 54 WB over 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Bu 54 WB over Drain carry?

About 6,760 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Bu 54 WB over Drain?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 54 WB over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.