US Bridges

SH 72 over Ojo De Agua Draw

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 0.3 MI E of FM 81 · Structure no. 161290027003012

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
4,380
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 72 over Ojo De Agua Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 72 over Ojo De Agua Draw in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 96 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 4,380 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,132 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 72
CrossesOjo De Agua Draw
Location0.3 MI E of FM 81
RouteState Highway 72
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.88517, -97.70847
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span3 ft (0.9 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.3 m)
Roadway width62 ft (18.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,380 (2022)
Projected traffic6,132 by 2042
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure3
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$102,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 72 over Ojo De Agua Draw built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is SH 72 over Ojo De Agua 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 72 over Ojo De Agua Draw carry?

About 4,380 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is SH 72 over Ojo De Agua Draw?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 3 ft (0.9 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns SH 72 over Ojo De Agua Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.