US Bridges

SH 44 over Drain

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 3.15 MI E of SH 359 · Structure no. 161260037304024

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,735
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 44 over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying SH 44 over Drain in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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 8,735 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,920 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 44
CrossesDrain
Location3.15 MI E of SH 359
RouteState Highway 44
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.77823, -97.96644
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,735 (2020)
Projected traffic14,920 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$23,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 44 over Drain built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 44 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 44 over Drain carry?

About 8,735 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 44 over Drain?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns SH 44 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.