US Bridges

SH 70 over Draw

Fair

Gray County, Texas · 3.6 MI N of US 60 · Structure no. 040910049001006

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,247
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Draw is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 70 over Draw in Gray County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 95 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 1,247 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,150 by 2033. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 70
CrossesDraw
Location3.6 MI N of US 60
RouteState Highway 70
CountyGray County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.58856, -100.95428
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,247 (2023)
Projected traffic3,150 by 2033
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 70 over Draw built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is SH 70 over Draw 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 SH 70 over Draw carry?

About 1,247 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Draw?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.