US Bridges

FM 1539 over Draw

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 1.80 MI E of SH 359 · Structure no. 161260147201001

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1539 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1539 over Draw in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1539
CrossesDraw
Location1.80 MI E of SH 359
RouteState Highway 1539
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.80846, -97.98937
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2020)
Projected traffic110 by 2033
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 FM 1539 over Draw built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1539 over 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1539 over Draw carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is FM 1539 over Draw?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1539 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.