US Bridges

US 70 over Running Water Draw

Fair

Hale County, Texas · 0.8 MI W of IH 27 · Structure no. 050960014504005

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1952
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,294
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 70 over Running Water Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 70 over Running Water Draw in Hale County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1952, so it is 96 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 3,294 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,230 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 52 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesUS 70
CrossesRunning Water Draw
Location0.8 MI W of IH 27
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyHale County
StateTexas
Coordinates34.18964, -101.76229
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,294 (2020)
Projected traffic5,230 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 US 70 over Running Water Draw built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1952.

What condition is US 70 over Running Water 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 70 over Running Water Draw carry?

About 3,294 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 70 over Running Water Draw?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US 70 over Running Water Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.