US Bridges

SH 6 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 2.50 MI SE of FM 519 · Structure no. 120850019204020

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,220
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 6 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 6 over Drainage Ditch in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 94 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 10,220 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,130 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 81 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 6
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location2.50 MI SE of FM 519
RouteState Highway 6
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.33678, -94.97775
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width81 ft (24.8 m)
Roadway width75 ft (23 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,220 (2023)
Projected traffic10,130 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 6 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is SH 6 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 2024.

How much traffic does SH 6 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 10,220 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 6 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 81 ft wide.

Who owns SH 6 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.