US Bridges

FM 521 over Draw

Fair

Matagorda County, Texas · 4.20 MI SW of FM 2540 · Structure no. 131580084705008

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,229
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 521 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying FM 521 over Draw in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 1,229 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,721 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 521
CrossesDraw
Location4.20 MI SW of FM 2540
RouteState Highway 521
CountyMatagorda County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.8465, -95.84609
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,229 (2021)
Projected traffic1,721 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 521 over Draw built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 521 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does FM 521 over Draw carry?

About 1,229 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 521 over Draw?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns FM 521 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.