US Bridges

US 70 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Hale County, Texas · 0.2 MI W of IH 27 · Structure no. 050960014504012

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,676
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 70 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 70 over Drainage Ditch in Hale County, Texas. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 5,676 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,740 by 2033. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 70
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.2 MI W of IH 27
RouteU.S. Route 70
CountyHale County
StateTexas
Coordinates34.18849, -101.75322
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.9 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,676 (2020)
Projected traffic7,740 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 70 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 70 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 70 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 5,676 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US 70 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns US 70 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.