US Bridges

US 59 over Drain

Fair

Live Oak County, Texas · 6.59 MI NE of FM 624 · Structure no. 161490054206039

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,133
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 over Drain in Live Oak County, Texas. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1994, 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 2,133 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,700 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 59 ft wide.

CarriesUS 59
CrossesDrain
Location6.59 MI NE of FM 624
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateTexas
Coordinates28.18048, -98.25976
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,133 (2020)
Projected traffic3,700 by 2033
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 59 over Drain built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is US 59 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Drain carry?

About 2,133 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Drain?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.