US Bridges

SH 163 over Draw

Good

Irion County, Texas · 6.2 MI S of RM 2469 · Structure no. 071190164805002

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
725
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 163 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 163 over Draw in Irion County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older 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 725 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,172 by 2038. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

CarriesSH 163
CrossesDraw
Location6.2 MI S of RM 2469
RouteState Highway 163
StateTexas
Coordinates31.21087, -101.17622
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 inspectionApril 2024
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 loadOther
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic725 (2020)
Projected traffic1,172 by 2038
Trucks40%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 163 over Draw built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 163 over 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SH 163 over Draw carry?

About 725 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is SH 163 over Draw?

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

Who owns SH 163 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.