US Bridges

IH 45 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Galveston County, Texas · 1.50 MI SE of FM 519 · Structure no. 120850050004034

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
40,876
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 over Drainage Ditch in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 77 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 40,876 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 63,660 by 2033. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 45
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.50 MI SE of FM 519
RouteInterstate 45
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.3479, -94.95721
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40,876 (2020)
Projected traffic63,660 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure11
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 IH 45 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is IH 45 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 2024.

How much traffic does IH 45 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 40,876 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns IH 45 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.