US Bridges

FM 54 over Blackwater Draw

Good

Hale County, Texas · 6.9 MI W of IH 27 · Structure no. 050960056305003

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
507
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 54 over Blackwater Draw is a concrete culvert carrying FM 54 over Blackwater Draw in Hale County, Texas. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 507 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 890 by 2033. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 54
CrossesBlackwater Draw
Location6.9 MI W of IH 27
RouteState Highway 54
CountyHale County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.87634, -101.97435
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum 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 loadHS 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic507 (2020)
Projected traffic890 by 2033
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 54 over Blackwater Draw built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 54 over Blackwater Draw in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does FM 54 over Blackwater Draw carry?

About 507 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is FM 54 over Blackwater Draw?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 54 over Blackwater Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.