US Bridges

FM 493 over N Main Drainage Ditch

Good

Hidalgo County, Texas · 1.2 MI N of FM 1925 · Structure no. 211090086303009

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
80 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,581
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 493 over N Main Drainage Ditch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying FM 493 over N Main Drainage Ditch in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 4,581 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,070 by 2033. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 493
CrossesN Main Drainage Ditch
Location1.2 MI N of FM 1925
RouteState Highway 493
CountyHidalgo County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.33702, -98.03252
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,581 (2019)
Projected traffic7,070 by 2033
Trucks5%
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 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 493 over N Main Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 493 over N Main Drainage Ditch 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does FM 493 over N Main Drainage Ditch carry?

About 4,581 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 493 over N Main Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FM 493 over N Main Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.