US Bridges

IH 45 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 0.20 MI NW of FM 1765 · Structure no. 120850050004202

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
47,565
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 1980, so it is 45 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 47,565 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 72,100 by 2033. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 476 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesIH 45
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.20 MI NW of FM 1765
RouteInterstate 45
StateTexas
Coordinates29.37866, -95.00818
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width476 ft (145 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,565 (2020)
Projected traffic72,100 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure13
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$74,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does IH 45 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 47,565 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 476 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.