US Bridges

CR 491 over Drain Ditch

FairPosted for load

Liberty County, Texas · 20 Ft N of FM 1413 · Structure no. 201460AA0391002

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
58 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
110
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 491 over Drain Ditch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 491 over Drain Ditch in Liberty County, Texas. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 110 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2037. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesCR 491
CrossesDrain Ditch
Location20 Ft N of FM 1413
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLiberty County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.959, -94.93539
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.6 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic110 (2016)
Projected traffic160 by 2037
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 491 over Drain Ditch built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 491 over Drain Ditch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does CR 491 over Drain Ditch carry?

About 110 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CR 491 over Drain Ditch?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns CR 491 over Drain Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.