US Bridges

FM 789 over Running Water Draw

Fair

Hale County, Texas · 0.5 MI S of US 70 · Structure no. 050960112601001

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
57 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
165
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 789 over Running Water Draw is a concrete culvert carrying FM 789 over Running Water Draw in Hale County, Texas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 5 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 165 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 390 by 2033. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 789
CrossesRunning Water Draw
Location0.5 MI S of US 70
RouteState Highway 789
CountyHale County
StateTexas
Coordinates34.16869, -101.62606
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic165 (2020)
Projected traffic390 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 789 over Running Water Draw built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 789 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 FM 789 over Running Water Draw carry?

About 165 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 789 over Running Water Draw?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns FM 789 over Running Water Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.