US Bridges

US 79 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Milam County, Texas · 6.65 MI E of SH 36 · Structure no. 171660020408033

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,028
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 79 over Drainage Ditch in Milam County, Texas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 100 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 5,028 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,039 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location6.65 MI E of SH 36
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyMilam County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.76067, -96.75597
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,028 (2023)
Projected traffic7,039 by 2042
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
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 79 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is US 79 over Drainage 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 79 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 5,028 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.