US Bridges

SH 73 over Drain

Fair

Jefferson County, Texas · 7.3 MI E of SH 124 · Structure no. 201240050804042

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,468
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 73 over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying SH 73 over Drain in Jefferson County, Texas. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 71 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 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 14,468 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,281 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSH 73
CrossesDrain
Location7.3 MI E of SH 124
RouteState Highway 73
StateTexas
Coordinates29.82699, -94.2325
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,468 (2022)
Projected traffic22,281 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 73 over Drain built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is SH 73 over Drain 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 73 over Drain carry?

About 14,468 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 73 over Drain?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns SH 73 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.