US Bridges

SH 239 over Draw

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 8.8 MI SE of SH 72 · Structure no. 161290051601003

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,770
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 239 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 239 over Draw in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 86 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 1,770 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,478 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 109 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 239
CrossesDraw
Location8.8 MI SE of SH 72
RouteState Highway 239
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.74287, -97.70514
Functional classRural Major 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal 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 spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width109 ft (33.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,770 (2022)
Projected traffic2,478 by 2042
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 239 over Draw built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is SH 239 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 239 over Draw carry?

About 1,770 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SH 239 over Draw?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 109 ft wide.

Who owns SH 239 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.