US Bridges

FM 270 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 1.55 MI N of FM 646 · Structure no. 120850331202004

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,869
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 270 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 270 over Drainage Ditch in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 16,869 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,470 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 112 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 270
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.55 MI N of FM 646
RouteState Highway 270
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.50857, -95.06935
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.
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 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 rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width112 ft (34.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,869 (2020)
Projected traffic19,470 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 270 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 270 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 FM 270 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 16,869 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 270 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 112 ft wide.

Who owns FM 270 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.